Commissioners approve interlocal payment for new ambulance; EMS director discusses billing changes and disputed engine repair on unit 0098

The Clinton County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved an interlocal agreement with Center Township on Feb. 18 under which the township will make six annual payments (roughly $45,775 per year) to help purchase a diesel ambulance expected for delivery in May (the meeting did not specify the model year). The payment schedule is written as six payments over six years and is intended to reimburse the county’s initial payment for the vehicle.

At the same meeting EMS staff reported work underway to adjust ambulance billing rates under a new state law (referred to in meeting discussion as a House bill) that permits billing up to 400% of the Medicare rate. EMS staff said they had received recommended rate schedules at 300% and 400% of Medicare and recommended adopting at least the 300% Medicare level to capture more reimbursement from private insurance while not increasing charges to insured residents: if an insurance payment is received, staff said, the county will reconcile ("call it even") so patients are not charged more than required.

Separately, staff raised a disputed repair for ambulance 0098. The vendor invoiced the county for what was described as a new motor; EMS staff said the vendor supplied a long block rather than a factory new engine and charged more than two other quotes the county had obtained. The vendor offered to install what it described as a new long block free of charge because the ambulance was still not in satisfactory working order. EMS staff recommended the county defer a decision until its next meeting to allow two weeks for the vendor to complete work or for the county to obtain an independent mechanical inspection. The commissioners agreed to revisit the matter at a subsequent meeting.

Why it matters The interlocal agreement funds a critical ambulance purchase shared between the township and county and affects EMS capacity. The billing change could materially increase revenue captured from private insurance and reduce pressure on county tax dollars if implemented; the disputed repair raises short‑term operational risk if a front‑line ambulance remains out of service.

Details and context Interlocal agreement: Steven (county staff) described working with Center Township Trustee Jamie and the township board to formalize the contribution toward the 2025 ambulance purchase. The agreement structures roughly $45,775 annual payments over six years; staff said delivery is expected in May but the vendor/model year was not confirmed.

EMS billing: EMS staff said the new Indiana law allows billing up to 400% of Medicare and recommended moving to at least 300% Medicare to increase collections from private insurance. Staff emphasized that insured patients would not be charged extra when insurance payments are received; the change targets reimbursement rates billed to insurers.

Ambulance 0098 engine dispute: County staff reported that the vendor invoiced for a "new motor" but installed a long block and charged more than competitive quotes. The vendor proposed to replace the unit’s engine (described as a new long block) at no cost; staff proposed a two‑week window to allow the vendor to complete work or present the county with an independent mechanic’s assessment at the next commissioner meeting.

Process notes The interlocal agreement passed 3‑0. Commissioners asked staff to report back at the next meeting on the ambulance delivery details and on the status of ambulance 0098 after the vendor’s proposed corrective work or an independent inspection.

Ending Staff will confirm the ambulance model year and delivery timing and present an update on the repair or inspection of ambulance 0098 at the next meeting.