By Gina Joseph
The Macomb Daily
STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. — It pays to know someone who knows what you don’t know.
When Kevin Edmond took on the role of Sterling Heights Fire Chief, he not only brought 40 years of firefighting experience to the job, but knowledge of a federal program that provides funds for public Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
“Illinois has had this for years,” said Chief Edmond, during Monday’s press conference announcing the passage of House Bill 5695 and the federal funding secured by the Ground Emergency Medical Transportation (GEMT) Coalition.
The bill co-sponsored by Rep. Mike McFall (D- Hazel Park ) and signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will allow EMS agencies access to additional federal dollars through a reimbursement program that’s designed to offset the costs of providing emergency medical transportation services for Medicaid recipients.
This is a voluntary program so it’s up to the state to apply. Until recently, Michigan was one of the last Great Lakes states to get onboard. Twenty-seven other states, besides Illinois, taking advantage of the federal program that’s been around since 1961 include California, Ohio and Florida.
I really pushed for it in Michigan,” said Edmond, knowing how much the additional funding would help to offset current uncompensated costs.
On average a run for a Medicaid recipient costs about $1,800.
Only $600 of that is usually what Sterling Heights gets in terms of a federal reimbursement.
Now that Michigan is part of the program the state will get about $70 million that will be distributed to 160 city-run ambulance services statewide. Sterling Heights is expecting to get about $1 million of that.
“What this will allow us to do is add two more ambulances on the road,” said Edmond, noting that one ambulance costs about $350,000.
“That will get us up to seven ambulances,” added Edmond, who was joined by officials from several fire departments in southeast Michigan including Detroit, Madison Heights and Dearborn.
“Cities are hurting, so they can really use this funding,” said Rick Abraham, assistant fire chief in Dearborn, whose department already has six rescue service vehicles and may use their new funding for equipment and staffing.”
The City of Detroit is expected to get $21 million to help with equipment and staffing.
“This bill will ensure that our frontline heroes will have sufficient funds,” said Detroit Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms. “This bill says loud and clear that no one gets left behind.”
Edmond concurred.
“No matter what size your community you have you will benefit from this program,” Edmond said.
Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor said it’s one of the rare government programs where it’s a win-win for everyone.
“Nobody loses in this,” said Taylor, who like many city officials face rising costs in all areas.
Michigan’s EMS system has faced numerous challenges in recent years including increasing costs, staff shortages and due to its growing population of seniors on Medicaid (2.7 million), a rise in demand for services.
The GEMT also provides a layer of financial stability to EMS systems with no financial burden on taxpayers.
“The ability to access this funding will enhance safety and likely save lives in Sterling Heights. This initiative brings vital funding to our emergency medical services and improves our emergency response capabilities. As the safest big city in Michigan, our work with the GEMT Coalition is another example of how we are demonstrating our commitment to the health and safety of our community.”
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