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Seward County approves EMS rate changes presented by county EMS director
Summary
County commissioners approved changes to ambulance/EMS billing rates after a presentation from the county EMS director; staff said insured patients’ insurers typically absorb the increase while the change affects uninsured patients more directly.
Seward County commissioners approved updates to EMS billing rates after a presentation from Seward County EMS Director John Ralston, who said the changes are a modest step to keep rates in line over time.
Ralston told the commission the rates presented had been discussed during budget hearings and with the county’s billing coordinator and contracted billing company. He said insurers for covered patients will typically pay the new allowable rates; uninsured patients may see a greater share of the cost. Ralston described this as the second rate increase over a four-year period and noted the next adjustment could come after a 2027 industry review tied to Medicare and Medicaid evaluations.
Commissioner Abbott moved to adopt the rate changes as presented; Commissioner Carr seconded. The motion passed by show of hands.
The meeting record did not include the specific new line-item dollar amounts in the transcript excerpt presented to the board; staff indicated the packet included a highlighted section listing the changed charges. County staff will implement the updated rates through the billing contractor, and said they will monitor impacts and consider future adjustments.
No public comment opposing or supporting the change was recorded during the EMS item.
The county did not identify an immediate budgetary shortfall tied to the rate change; staff presented the adjustment as a rate-maintenance measure.
