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Charlotte County rescue squad warns of billing gap as it consolidates EMS license; asks for reserves
Summary
Rescue Squad representatives told the board they must consolidate EMS licenses to a county license by Jan. 1, which could produce a three- to four-month Medicaid/Medicare billing lag and an estimated $320,000 shortfall; staff requested reserve funding and described grant prospects for a $44,000 monitor.
Representatives of Charlotte County emergency medical services told the Board of Supervisors that consolidating multiple EMS licenses under a single county license could create a temporary revenue gap of several months as Medicare and Medicaid update billing records.
Sally, speaking for the rescue squad, said the organization is moving operations from the Charlotte County Rescue Squad EMS license to the county’s single license (Charlotte County Department of Fire and Rescue), a process staff expect to complete around Jan. 1. She warned there could be a three‑to‑four‑month lag in reimbursement during the transition before previously billed calls are processed under the new licensing arrangement. "There will be lag time of up to 3 months, maybe even 4 months in the transition," she said.
Sally and another speaker estimated the squad currently brings in nearly $20,000 per week and that a four‑month interruption could amount to roughly $320,000 in delayed revenue. While staff said those delayed funds will eventually be reimbursed, they urged the board to retain reserve funds to pay ongoing bills during the billing gap.
The rescue squad also described immediate equipment and facility needs. Sally said a 12‑lead EKG was destroyed during a mutual‑aid call and would cost about $44,000 to replace; she said parking‑lot repairs recently cost roughly $13,000 and that the squad allocated approximately $10,000 to convert an outbuilding into a training classroom with AV equipment. The squad has applied for an Office of EMS grant that could cover up to 80 percent of the 12‑lead monitor; a decision is expected in December.
Board direction and next steps: supervisors asked staff to monitor the license transition timeline and to report back. The board also discussed employee wellness benefits (including possible gym membership options) and asked staff to return with proposals at the October meeting.
