The Wilson County Emergency Management meeting held on February 7, 2024, focused on critical updates regarding ambulance billing rates and a revised hardship policy for county employees and retirees.

During the meeting, officials discussed adjustments to ambulance service rates in alignment with Medicare guidelines. The proposed changes would see an increase in billing rates for Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) services. Specifically, ALS emergency calls, which account for 61% of call volume, would see an increase of approximately $45.68 per call, while BLS emergency calls, making up 36% of the volume, would rise by about $37 per call. Additionally, mileage rates would increase to 38 cents per mile. These adjustments aim to streamline billing processes, allowing automatic updates in response to Medicare rate changes without requiring annual approvals.

The meeting also addressed revisions to the hardship policy, which was initially approved a few years ago. The updated policy aims to clarify eligibility for financial assistance, particularly for county employees and their families. Notably, the revisions would extend benefits to retirees and their dependents, allowing them to receive ambulance services without additional costs beyond their insurance deductibles. This change is designed to ensure that county employees and their families, including retirees, can access necessary emergency services without financial burden.

The proposed changes received unanimous support from the attendees, highlighting a commitment to improving emergency services and supporting county employees and their families. The next steps will involve formalizing these policies to ensure they are implemented effectively.