Long ambulance wait times and funding gaps are pushing rural emergency services toward crisis, according to Spectrum News.
State lawmakers and emergency responders met in Albany Wednesday to highlight a new report warning the rural EMS system is “on the brink of collapse.” The study points to low Medicaid reimbursement rates, staffing shortages and struggles to recruit volunteers.
Officials said many ambulance providers spend more responding to calls than they receive in reimbursement. Lawmakers urged action during state budget negotiations, including recognizing EMS as an essential service and increasing Medicaid funding.
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