Nelson: Safety & Disaster Relief, Hwy57 Construction, and EMS Recap & Funding

Friends and neighbors,

It’s that time. It’s a time of fireworks and festivities as we recall our country’s long battle to cast off the shackles of colonial rule and emerge as a free nation.  My maternal ancestors fought in the American Revolution for the freedoms we hold dear today. These freedoms have endured through generations and their principles have guided our nation since its founding. I am eternally grateful for the patriotism and sacrifice of all who have stepped up, put on the uniform, and protected our country at home and abroad. Thank you to all who have served and to those who support them! Wishing you all a wonderful Independence Day!

22 of Minnesota’s 87 counties* have been declared a major disaster both at the federal and state level. Our area has seen weeks of high winds, rains and flooding. 

With that in mind, here are a few resources that may be valuable to you:

Minnesota Department of Commerce insurance questions, problems or complaints: consumer.protection@state.mn.us. or 651-539-1600 or 800-657-3602 

*Blue Earth, Carver, Cass, Cook, Cottonwood, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Jackson, Lake, Le Sueur, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Rice, Rock, St. Louis, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca and Watonwan.

And of course, contact my office for help with any state issue or to share your good ideas. sen.carla.nelson@senate.mn or 651-296-4848. 

Working for you, 

Executive Summary:

  • End of Session Summary: Emergency Medical Services
  • Wilderness Inquiry at Kasson Elementary
  • Senate Resolution honoring Mayo Clinic
  • Highway 57 Reconstruction in Mantorville

End Of Session Summary: Emergency Medical Services

It was a joy to welcome the League of Minnesota Cities to Rochester and to join the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities panel about emergency medical services (EMS).  The fact is: EMS providers are facing a full-blown crisis. It’s a life threatening emergency for Minnesotans in need of emergency medical care. 

I’m glad to report that the legislature did indeed pass a bipartisan emergency aid package and it will provide short term benefits for struggling EMS providers. The $30 Million aid package is but a fraction of the $120M requested because the ruling majority party had other priorities. 

The aid package is focused on rural providers and includes proposed aid (with variables still needed to be taken into account) for three EMS providers in Senate District 24.  

  • Dodge Center ($139,790)
  • Hayfield ($89,544)
  • West Concord Fire and Ambulance Service ($55,968)

Additional reforms in the bill help address EMS staffing concerns. The new law adds increased flexibility based on the needs of individual EMS providers, allows for ambulance driver variance, and makes it easier to renew a lapsed Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Emergency Medical Responder, or Ambulance EMT certifications.

At the state level, we must use the tools at our disposal to help bridge that gap. This requires all hands on deck with the understanding that keeping EMS available across our state is not a one size fits all solution.  We need to continue to think creatively, gather information, and, if successful, expand the sprint medic pilot programs statewide to address the safety and staffing needs of rural EMS. We need to look at implementing reimbursement models for treatment in place and alternate destination transfers. Currently, an ambulance service is only reimbursed for transferring a patient to a hospital, even when their needs may be better suited elsewhere (i.e. a behavioral health center, urgent care center, family doctor’s office, etc.)

NOTE: Even if the emergency state aid had been fully funded, the greater structural problem remains. Government program reimbursement rates are far too low and do not reflect the cost to provide emergency services in Minnesota! Medicare reimbursement rates are controlled at the federal level, while Medicaid is a state program. 

Over 50% of all EMS transports are government paid, and do not cover the full cost. This lack of adequate reimbursement produces ongoing and growing EMS funding shortfalls. Financial woes from these low reimbursement rates are further exacerbated in sparsely populated large rural areas as the EMS must travel greater distances  causing higher operating costs. As our Medicare population (the Silver Tsunami) continues to grow so will this structural EMS deficit. 

Stay tuned: The problem of low federal reimbursement rates to EMS providers may become severely worse as federal Medicare extenders expire! 

Ultimately, we want to ensure that no matter your zip code, when you need an ambulance, you can get one to receive the emergency care you need.

Wilderness Inquiry at Kasson-Mantorville Elementary 

It was wonderful to attend the Wilderness Inquiry event at Kasson-Mantorville Elementary School. Wilderness Inquiry is a MN nonprofit facilitating hands-on outdoor activities and wilderness education for kids. The bad weather didn’t stop us from our nature based learning! Kudos to the Wilderness Inquiry staff for their ingenuity, spirit and organization. 

Senate Resolution Honoring Mayo Clinic 

Congratulations to Mayo Clinic on receiving a Minnesota State Senate Resolution  recognizing its Newsweek ranking as the #1 hospital in the world. Mayo’s top quality care, cutting edge research and  esteemed staff  bring hope and healing across the globe. I’m so very glad Rochester is the home of Mayo Clinic. Dr. Farrugia accepted the resolution on behalf of Mayo Clinic. 

Hwy 57 Reconstruction in Mantorville 

The Highway 57 Mantorville mainstreet reconstruction project is underway- now a challenge for businesses and patrons alike but with great improvements coming. This week, I joined Hwy 57 contractors, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Mayor Chuck Bradford, and Mantorville business owners for an update at County Seat Coffee. The good news is, the reconstruction project will be completed prior to Marigold Days on September 7th and 8th!

Note Mantorville businesses remain open! 

View reconstruction updates here.