Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the EMS1 eBook, “How to fund community paramedicine.” Learn more and download your copy now.
By Corey Carlson
As communities look for ways to decrease healthcare costs and enhance health services, many are seeing a solution in implementing mobile integrated health (MIH)/community paramedicine (CP) programs. More than 60 EMS systems across 20 states are actively involved in MIH/CP programs. These programs are growing in popularity as they help address gaps in primary and preventive care, especially in underserved and rural areas.
Community paramedicine is an innovative way for healthcare professionals to use patient-centered mobile resources outside the hospital environment. Innovative EMS agencies of all sizes and types across the nation are partnering with hospitals, primary care physicians, nurses, mental health and social services providers, and government agencies on programs that bring care to patients and help navigate patients to needed services.
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These programs have been shown to improve patient outcomes and lower healthcare costs, but they are extremely limited by the lack of funding. In recent years, a handful of visionary EMS agencies have offered MIH-CP healthcare services to their patients. Examples of these services include in-home check-ups, health education and preventative care. These services improve patient access to primary care, diagnostic testing, specialized service referrals, social services and transportation to medical appointments.
Studies have shown that MIH-CP programs can save thousands of dollars per year, per patient by helping people lead healthier lives and decreasing healthcare emergencies. For example, community paramedicine visits can help a person living with heart failure, asthma, COPD or diabetes avoid acute emergencies.
Unfortunately, even though MIH-CP programs lead to successful patient outcomes and significant cost savings, many are forced to shrink their scope or close altogether due to lack of funds.
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Let’s explore some possible funding mechanisms, sources and/or partnerships to consider to fund MIH in your community.
Internal funding
Some EMS agencies build the cost of their MIH program into their operational budget. This might involve reallocating financial resources from other sources, such as taxes or fee-for-service ambulance transport.
Grants
Foundations and philanthropic organizations often provide grants for start-up costs. These grants may come with goals or milestones to measure the program’s effectiveness. It’s important to plan for sustainable funding once the grant period ends.
Public-private partnerships
Collaborating with private healthcare providers, insurance companies or other stakeholders can help secure funding and resources.
Community support
Engaging the community and local businesses can lead to donations or sponsorships.
- Fee-for-service: Some MIH programs charge fees for services provided, which can help generate revenue.
- Healthcare savings: Demonstrating cost savings to the healthcare system through reduced emergency department visits and hospital admissions can help justify and secure funding.
Recent federal legislation
On April 17, 2024, Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO], introduced H.R. 8042, the Community Paramedicine Act of 2024, which was referred to the Subcommittee on Health on April 26, 2024. The bill aims to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to support community paramedicine programs designed to improve patient care by allowing paramedics to provide more comprehensive services. This bill is currently in the first stage of the legislative process. The bill provides funding for:
- Hiring community paramedicine personnel
- Recruiting and retaining community paramedicine personnel
- Reimbursing costs associated with medical director oversight
- Purchasing necessary equipment, including personal protective equipment, uniforms, medical supplies and vehicles
- Reimbursing costs associated with certification and recertification courses
- Conducting public outreach and education on patient-centered outcomes that can be achieved through community paramedicine
- Any other activity the Secretary determines appropriate related to paramedicine services
The bottom line
Multiple funding mechanisms and partnerships may be necessary to support MIH/CP programs. The success of these programs can make a significant positive impact on public health, patient satisfaction and healthcare costs.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Corey Carlson is the EMS segment lead for Lexipol, where she researches legislation and grant opportunities for EMS sponsors and customers. Corey also consults with EMS GAP customers as a grant expert for Lexipol. She has over 24 years of experience working in the grant arena for first responders.
This article, originally published in July 2025, has been updated.