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Hampden Select Board to seek written renewal terms with Action Ambulance after contract discussion
Summary
Action Ambulance sought a three-year renewal with extensions and a modest rate increase; company asked for flexibility if federal or state reimbursements change and said any reopening of terms would be negotiated with the town.
The Town of Hampden Select Board discussed a proposed renewal of the ambulance contract with Action Ambulance on March 10, as company representatives outlined proposed terms, reimbursement risks and operational metrics.
Rob Swarrant, identified in the meeting as Action Ambulance's chief financial officer, told board members the company's proposal is a three-year renewal with two additional one-year extension options, and that the contract figures include a modest percentage increase and the possibility of rolling a rebate into the base amount to avoid a large immediate rise. Swarrant said the company would like flexibility if federal or state reimbursement levels change.
Swarrant told the board that the company is not planning unilateral changes if reimbursements drop: "There would not be a, like, a unilateral. We're changing something. There would be a discussion between Action, the oversight committee, the board of selectmen," he said, describing the intent to negotiate amendments if necessary.
Board members asked about staffing and collections. Swarrant said staffing has "improved overall" after recent sickouts and that operational leaders have maintained communication with the town. He estimated collections are trending up from the previous year and cited a rough projected collection rate of about 71% for the current period versus about 69% previously. He also noted a 2.4% increase in Medicare rates that took effect Jan. 1.
Select Board members asked for a written contract; the board said it needs a formal draft showing the proposed three-year term and the two extension options. Board members directed Town staff (Brian) to arrange for Action Ambulance to provide the contract wording and to work with the town to add language, if needed, allowing reopening of terms should reimbursements or subsidies materially change.
No formal contract vote occurred at the March 10 meeting; board members indicated they will review a written draft and consider an amendment to include explicit reopening language before final approval.
