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Chickasaw County EMS reports rising call volume, GEMT submission and Iowa setoff plan
Summary
EMS presented October service statistics (87 calls; $64,194.67 in receipts), described a November GEMT submission with expected deficiency-payment timing and a plan to use Iowa's setoff program to recoup delinquent ambulance bills from Iowa tax returns.
The Chickasaw County EMS reported increased call activity and outlined revenue and program steps at the board’s Nov. 20 meeting.
Joel Knudson (Speaker 3), presenting the EMS department update, said October call volume was 87 and revenue received for the month totaled $64,194.67 in ACH and checks. He said EMS is working with PCC to streamline collections. "Grand total, $64,194.67 for the month of October was received," Speaker 3 reported.
Knudson described the GEMT (Ground Emergency Medical Transportation) submission process: the county submitted in November; review and questions generally run December through March; and deficiency payments are typically determined in April. He said the county expects to front 30% of costs initially and then receive the deficiency payment later, which affects the upcoming budgeting cycle.
Separately, the department is applying to Iowa’s setoff program to recover delinquent ambulance bills from Iowa residents' tax refunds. Speaker 3 said the setoff process is paperwork-intensive but avoids the typical 28% collection-agency fee; it applies only to Iowa residents, and out-of-state debtors will continue to be referred to collection agencies.
Knudson also updated the board on training and staffing: EMS sent providers to continuing education in Des Moines; an employee named Carly is completing paramedic training and the department will orient her before promoting to a paramedic role; and five New Hampton high-school students will start an EMT class in December at no cost if they pass.
The department cautioned that first-year GEMT revenue is uncertain and urged county budget planners to await PCG estimates before finalizing department budgets.
