Fighting for Cost Recovery for Fire Department Ambulance Service
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The New York State Fire Service Alliance, consisting of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs, Firemen’s Association of the State of New York, Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York, New York State Fire Coordinators’ Association, Volunteer Fire Police Association of the State of New York, and New York State Fire Marshals & Inspectors Association, unanimously approved making "Cost Recovery for Fire Department Ambulance Service" the number one priority of the alliance.
This legislation will allow fire department operated ambulance services to recover costs for treatment and transport from insurers, Medicaid, and Medicare in the same way that other ambulance services do.
NYSAFC strongly supports this initiative as a means to reduce the taxpayers’ burden for providing ambulance service. NYSAFC is well aware that many departments and districts are struggling financially to maintain EMS service, especially in rural areas. Many departments can no longer function with an all-volunteer EMS service and must hire EMTs and paramedics. In order to survive financially, additional revenues are necessary.
The alliance has been fighting opposition to this legislation from the proprietary ambulance services, as well as not-for-profits. The members of the alliance are committed to working together to support this change, but we need your help. We are seeking information from each fire department that operates an ambulance service, including:
This legislation will allow fire department operated ambulance services to recover costs for treatment and transport from insurers, Medicaid, and Medicare in the same way that other ambulance services do.
NYSAFC strongly supports this initiative as a means to reduce the taxpayers’ burden for providing ambulance service. NYSAFC is well aware that many departments and districts are struggling financially to maintain EMS service, especially in rural areas. Many departments can no longer function with an all-volunteer EMS service and must hire EMTs and paramedics. In order to survive financially, additional revenues are necessary.
The alliance has been fighting opposition to this legislation from the proprietary ambulance services, as well as not-for-profits. The members of the alliance are committed to working together to support this change, but we need your help. We are seeking information from each fire department that operates an ambulance service, including:
- The name and location of the department.
- Does the department have paid staff for EMS?
- Is the department having any issues meeting annual budgetary needs?
