Applications are now open for a $24 million emergency aid package aimed at bolstering rural ambulance services across Minnesota. The funding, approved by legislators in the final days of the 2024 legislative session, offers a lifeline to struggling providers facing a deepening crisis in the state’s rural areas.
“For years, EMS providers — especially in southeastern Minnesota — have been telling us about the crisis they are facing,” Senator Jeremy Miller (R-Winona) said. “They’ve been struggling with outdated equipment and staff shortages, issues that have been ignored for too long. This bipartisan emergency aid package is a crucial lifeline. With applications now open, we’re getting this vital support to where it’s needed most. This funding will help ensure that when Minnesotans call for an ambulance, they’ll get fast, urgent care no matter where they live. While there’s still more work to do, this bill shows what we can achieve when we work together across party lines.”
Eligible ambulance services have until September 16, 2024, to apply, with full aid payments expected by December 26, 2024. The package targets providers making 30 or fewer trips per square mile of their primary service area, who were licensed in 2022 and remain operational in 2024.
The funding emerged from recommendations by a bipartisan EMS Task Force, which investigated how the state can improve the life-saving services provided by EMS personnel. The Task Force was created following a 2022 report from the Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA). Field hearings were held throughout the state, and the task force made key recommendations, many of which are reflected in the Senate’s EMS aid package.
The OLA report found the EMS Regulatory Board (EMSRB) was ineffective in its regulatory role. The emergency aid bill begins the process of addressing these issues with a restructuring of the EMSRB. The powers and duties of the EMSRB are moved to a newly established Office of Emergency Medical Services.
The EMS aid package also includes a sprint medic pilot program, authorizing trained medical staff to be the first response and determining if an ambulance is necessary. This approach is more mobile, flexible, and can prevent unnecessary ambulance calls that ultimately may not be reimbursed. The program will help connect Minnesotans to care more quickly and ensure the correct level of care is provided.
Additional reforms in the bill help address EMS staffing concerns in rural areas. The changes make it easier to be qualified or certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Emergency Medical Responder, or Ambulatory EMT.
Despite these improvements, state aid alone can’t solve the funding crisis. Federal reimbursement rates continue to fall short of covering total care costs.
The Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board is also reaching out to potential applicants, urging them to submit their requests before the September deadline.