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Yancey County approves 2026 EMS rate increases
Summary
The Board unanimously approved a set of ambulance rate increases for 2026 presented by EMS Director Kristy Bryant, reflecting a 2% Ambulance Inflation Factor and specific price adjustments for ALS, BLS and specialty transports.
The Yancey County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved recommended 2026 adjustments to ambulance charges at its Jan. 12 meeting.
EMS Director Kristy Bryant presented a letter outlining proposed rate changes based on a 2% Ambulance Inflation Factor and Medicare Part B updates. The proposal called for increases such as Advanced Life Support (ALS) non-emergency transport rising by $12.40 to $502.83, ALS emergency transport rising by $19.64 to $796.16, Basic Life Support (BLS) non-emergency to $419.03, BLS emergency to $670.44, ALS Level 2 to $1,152.32 and Specialty Care Transport to $1,361.84. Rural mileage (first 17 miles) and mileage over 18 miles were left unchanged.
In the cover letter to commissioners, Kristy Bryant explained these adjustments help ensure EMS financial sustainability while keeping service quality. "I propose that we adjust our ambulance rates accordingly, in line with Medicare's recommended billing and collection guidelines," Bryant wrote.
Commissioner David Grindstaff moved to approve the rate increases and Commissioner Sandi Norton seconded; the motion passed on a unanimous vote.
The board also reaffirmed previously implemented standby charges for large out-of-town events: $200 per hour for a staffed paramedic ambulance and $100 per hour for a staffed paramedic QRV, with exemptions for local community events. The county did not modify mileage fees at the meeting.
The new rates were approved Jan. 12 and will be implemented per the county's billing procedures and applicable Medicare guidelines.
