EMS’ First Rate Increase in 15 Years

By Misty Green

The Macon County Emergency Services Committee approved to increase EMS rates during the March 25 meeting.

EMS CO/Director Alecia Kempf explained to the committee that the EMS rates had not increased in the last 15 years. She presented the committee a projection scale of revenue with the proposed increased rates and the rates of the surrounding counties, also confirming that with the proposed rates, the increase would get the rates up to the current rate estimate.

Discussion ensued with the agreed rate schedule to be as follows: A0425 Mileage – $15.50; A0426 ALS 1 non-emergency – $900; A0427 ALS 1 Emergency – $950; A0428 BLS non-emergency – $650; A0429 BLS Emergency – $600; A0433 ALS lvl2 – $1,000; and A0434 Specialty Care – $1,250.

The motion to accept the increased rates was made by Michael Slayton and seconded by Keith Newberry and the motion was carried.

Macon County Mayor Steve Jones stated that monthly write-offs for EMS billing had been previously approved for 2 years. EMS Director Alicia Kempf stated that Fox Collections was continuing to do a great job in collecting unpaid bills.

The motion by Keith Newberry, seconded by Barry King to continue with a 2-year write-off period for collections, carried.

Mayor Jones stated that another paramedic had quit and they only have five total, with EMS Director Josh Perrigo having to be on an ambulance again. 

Mayor Jones shared a bit of good news stating, “There has been four EMTA’s accepted to paramedic school and will start soon.”

EMS Director Alecia Kempf stated that they were able to start another day truck to help out. Mayor Jones then explained that a budget amendment may have to be brought back to commissioners to fund the additional truck.

The EMS monthly report for February 2024 listed the following: Average Alarm to Rolling Time 1:15 min.; Average Rolling Time 8:04 min.; Average Scene Time 19:33 min.; Average Transport Time 20:03 min.; Average Turn Around Time 21:47 min.; Average Total Call Time 60:40 min.; Average Out of County Time 88:79.