RAPID CITY, S.D. – South Dakota lawmakers are moving forward with a long-term plan aimed at preserving emergency medical services, especially in rural communities struggling with staffing and funding challenges.
The Legislature’s Emergency Medical Services Funding Task Force has endorsed two bills designed to strengthen ambulance services across the state. One proposal would create an advisory council to study dividing South Dakota into between eight and 14 regional EMS systems, with recommendations due by June 2028.
Supporters say the regional approach could help ensure ambulance coverage remains available statewide while laying the groundwork for future state funding. Lawmakers emphasized that state financial support will likely be necessary to keep rural ambulance services sustainable.
A second proposal would expand reimbursement for ambulance providers by requiring Medicaid and private insurers to pay for more treatment provided at the scene, even when patients do not need transportation to a hospital. The bill would also allow reimbursement for certain medically necessary trips to facilities other than hospitals.
Task force members say the goal is to address workforce shortages, financial pressures, and declining volunteer participation while ensuring that when someone calls 911, an ambulance is available to respond.
The recommendations will now be forwarded to legislative leaders for consideration during the 2027 session.
Comments