South Dakota lawmakers began new discussions Wednesday on how to better fund ambulance services, though a key question — how much funding is needed — remains unanswered.
Members of the Legislature’s Emergency Medical Services Funding Task Force said identifying a financial target is critical, but no estimate was provided during the meeting.
The group, formed after a similar study last year, is tasked with addressing ongoing funding gaps that officials say threaten EMS services, particularly in rural areas.
Testimony highlighted that Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance often reimburse far less than the actual cost of ambulance runs, leaving local governments and taxpayers to cover the difference. Some counties, including Yankton County, reported fully funding ambulance services through property taxes.
The task force also heard about $8 million in federal funding aimed at improving EMS systems and the continued need for volunteer recruitment.
Lawmakers plan to meet four more times before issuing recommendations by Nov. 1.
Comments