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Volunteer ambulance describes rising call volumes, reimbursement shortfalls and need for town support
Summary
The Simsbury Volunteer Ambulance Association reported modest transport growth, a 10% rise in 911 calls, heavy Medicare/Medicaid write-offs that undermine revenue, and an operational expansion (second ambulance 7 a.m.–7 p.m.) that depends on town support for capital and operating needs.
Karen, presenting for the Simsbury Volunteer Ambulance Association, delivered the group's 2025 annual report and highlighted operational metrics and financial pressures.
SVA reported that transports rose about 2% while total 911 calls increased 10%, a pattern the service attributes in part to refusals and non‑transport outcomes. Mutual‑aid arrangements with Granby and Canton cover roughly 9% of call volume; SVA handles about 91% of local calls. Karen said the service currently runs a second ambulance from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to match daytime call patterns and that response times on high‑priority calls average about 6 minutes and 36 seconds, within commonly cited response standards.
A principal financial concern is low reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid. Karen said Medicare and Medicaid rules require large mandatory write‑offs; in 2024 SVA recorded more than $1 million in gross billing that could not be collected under Medicare/Medicaid rules. “We bill, and basically 50% of it we have to write off,” she said, describing the impact on operating revenue and capital reserves.
The association asked for continued town support for capital purchases, including a replacement ambulance expected to arrive in mid‑2026, and for continued collaboration on scheduling, staffing and grant‑funded equipment like IV pumps and GPS tracking for vehicles.
Board members said they will continue to consider capital and operating support during upcoming budget discussions and noted the difficulty of SVA being a non‑taxing district that relies heavily on reimbursement revenue.
