Longwood approves emergency medical-transport buy-in; amendment extends program while federal processing continues

The Longwood City Commission approved participation in the Public Emergency Medical Transportation (PEMT) program and later approved an amendment to extend the agreement while federal processing catches up.

Fire Department staff explained that PEMT reimburses part of the shortfall between actual emergency-transport costs and the Medicare/Medicaid payments the city receives. The program requires a local "buy-in" payment to the state that then prompts federal disbursements; the city has used a consultant to prepare cost-study submissions in past years.

At the Sept. 15 meeting staff said the required buy-in for the current year is $128,344.16 and that the city historically receives more in federal disbursements than the buy-in; staff estimated an approximate return of $300,000 in typical years. Commissioners approved the initial PEMT letter of agreement 5-0.

Because federal agencies had not completed processing of prior-year disbursements, staff asked the commission to approve an amendment extending the city's agreement through Sept. 2026 so the city remains in the program and receives delayed funds for FY2024-25. Staff described the amendment as a continuity measure while the federal processing backlog resolves. The amendment was approved 5-0.

Chiefs and staff said the program has been in use since 2022 and that historical disbursements vary year to year. Staff noted the amount ultimately disbursed depends on which transports successfully move through the state and federal reimbursement process.