New Milford Ambulance says rising use and low reimbursement leave a multi‑hundred‑thousand dollar shortfall

Donna Hespe, director of New Milford Ambulance, told the joint budget hearing that the volunteer-supported service now operates four ambulances and two fly cars and that call volume has risen to about 3,000 calls in 2025 (roughly nine per day). Hespe said the agency employs two paid 24/7 crews and that overnight volunteer availability remains limited post‑COVID, making paid staffing necessary to maintain coverage.

Hespe outlined equipment and operating costs: an ambulance typically costs about $240,000, stretchers about $35,000, and advanced cardiac monitors about $70,000. She said billed charges for 2025 totaled $2,932,156, but actual collections were $1,255,298. "Medicare reimburses 60% of a call, Medicaid reimburses 15% and the State sets the billing amount so a regular call will be paid $980, Medicare $494, and Medicaid $352," Hespe said, noting Medicaid and Medicare trends in the town's payer mix.

Why this matters: the service is reporting that rising call volumes and equipment replacement needs are not covered by current reimbursements, creating pressure on any town support or service model. Hespe noted some calls — for example, lift assists — receive no reimbursement, further widening the funding gap.

Other developments: New Milford Ambulance is pursuing a whole‑blood transfusion program and said the service is "almost across the finish line" with program development. Hespe argued that paramedic staffing had been the correct operational choice, both for service quality and to integrate mutual aid with neighboring towns.

Next steps: The ambulance budget request and these operational details will be considered as part of the town's overall budget deliberations; the finance board and council will need to weigh any town subsidy or capital support against other pressing capital needs presented in the hearings.