Causer calls for county EMS task force as next step, announces more funding for EMS
SMETHPORT — State Representative Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) held a meeting of the EMS Task Force recently to discuss ongoing changes to the Emergency Medical System (EMS) and to hear input from personnel and local government officials on the issues they are facing.
The meeting focused on two broad issues that are affecting the EMS in rural Pennsylvania, funding and personnel. Causer was accompanied by Anthony Martin, director of the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services at the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Tom McElree, executive director of PA's EMS West Division.
On the funding front Causer detailed large increases coming to the Medicaid reimbursement rates for ambulance companies across the Commonwealth as a result of a law passed last year. Act 15 of 2023 will tie the reimbursement rates to federal Medicare rates and pay whichever amount higher.
As a result, the reimbursement for basic life support ambulance trips will increase from $325 to $511.35, and for advanced life support ambulance trips from $400 to $607.23 or $878.88, depending on the nature of the call. The reimbursement for paramedic intercept increases from $80 to $456.19.
The new law also ensures EMS agencies are reimbursed by Medicaid for 100% of the miles they travel with a patient on board receiving care or transport, finally removing the previous exemption for the first 20 miles traveled. The law increases the mileage reimbursement rate from $4 per loaded mile to $13.20 per loaded mile.
The law was passed last year and put into the state budget, but it still requires final approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency that provides health coverage to more than 100 million people through Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance is
Program, and the Health Insurance Marketplace. The state Department of Human Services (PADHS) has submitted it to CMS and as long as it is approved it will go into effect. Causer doesn't see any reason CMS won't approve the measure, as we have already appropriated the state portion.
Causer reviewed grants recently awarded through the annual Fire and EMS Grant program. Nearly $234,000 of the grants went to McKean County. The Kane Volunteer Fire Department received a grant of $13,061.
The funding comes from an ongoing grant program created by the Legislature and administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PMEA) and Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC). Projects eligible for funding include construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training, or reduction of existing debt. All funding comes from the proceeds from slot machine gaming, and not General Fund tax revenue. Governor Shapiro is supportive of the grants and would like to see them doubled according to Causer.
From the personnel side, the focus is on recruitment and retention. Based on feedback from the group, the challenge in getting certified is the difficulty of the test and cost. Alleviating some of the cost, the PA Bureau of Emergency Medical Services just announced a new initiative for certifications. Individuals who have a permanent residence in Pennsylvania and obtain a Pennsylvania state certification as an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT), or Paramedic after July 1, 2023, are eligible to have a portion of their tuition reimbursed.
The initiative provides for up to $300 for EMR, up to $800 for EMT, up to $1,000 for AEMT, and up to $5,000 for Paramedic. In addition, Pennsylvania licensed EMS agencies are eligible to receive reimbursement of expenses related to recruitment and retention, up to $1,250 per fiscal year (July 1–June 30).
Funds from a new law regarding fireworks sales will also help the cause. PA adds a 12% tax on fireworks in addition to the 6% sales tax. Previously, only 2% out of the 12% tax went to emergency services and the remaining 10% went to the commonwealth's general fund. Now that same 10%, which generates between $10 and $14 million annually will go to first responders as well.
Martin spoke alongside Rep. Causer and brought his perspective from the state level. Martin has been at the Bureau of EMS for just two months, but previously worked as a paramedic since 2002 and started volunteering as an EMT in 1995.
Martin expanded on the benefits that will be coming from the fireworks tax. The legislation was put into effect on July 1 of 2023, but funds were only released to be distributed at the end of last year. Although the funds will help, Martin said one of the biggest challenges that they have ahead of them is how to make sure the resources going to education and certification equates to an actual increase in the EMS workforce. Martin acknowledged the need for collaboration and is interested in hearing about challenges from the personnel in the field.
Martin said “Nobody is going to have the answers the way that the boots on the ground has and that's what we need to hear.”
Nathan Burgett from the McKean County Department of Emergency Services delivered statistics for McKean County. He listed the number of emergency medical calls each municipality received in 2023. Kane Borough had 527 calls last year. Wetmore Township had 104. Hamlin Township had 69. Hamilton Township had 35.
Rep. Causer shared that since the last meeting, he made the decision to once again obtain his certification as an EMT. Causer had previously been certified for 20 years but had let it lapse. He took his practical skills training in Mt. Jewett and he has actually gone back to running calls with Port Area Ambulance in Port Allegheny. He acknowledged that it's not an easy test to take and can sympathize with those who have found it challenging. McElree has worked with Rep. Causer for many years on these issues and does a lot of the certification training. He stressed that there are no easy answers. He reminded the listeners that it's a community effort and not an individual one.
“We need to look beyond our certified providers,” McElree said. “Whether you're a bus driver, a crossing guard, or a garbage person, you can be a component of the public safety system.”
McElree recalled the “bucket brigades” of the past where every capable person passed a bucket of water down the line to a fire. He says this is something that our communities can look to, apart from the official providers.
Although state level benefits have been making an impact, “We can't wait for Harrisburg,” said Causer. “The need for local solutions is clear.” Causer designated the next step as forming small task force groups in each county to work toward solutions for the unique problems they face. If you are interested in participating, contact his Bradford office at 814-362-4400.