Local governments across the Upper Cumberland who operate ambulance services, including DeKalb County, are concerned that today’s TennCare reimbursements are not adequate to help meet costs.

During Monday night’s regular monthly meeting, the county commission adopted a resolution asking the Tennessee General Assembly to take action directing TennCare to reimburse ground ambulance providers at a rate not less than the current Medicare fee schedule and to add funding to the 2020-21 state budget for that purpose.

The resolution states “ Whereas, with the growth of our great state and the need for more and more services of all kinds, especially emergency medical services and the continuing rising costs of medical care, our agencies are constantly searching for more resources; and

Whereas, more rural hospitals are being closed and community clinics are being downsized, requiring great needs for ambulance services as the first line of care providers and transportation from remote areas; and

Whereas, Medicaid (TennCare) reimbursement has not increased since the inception of the TN Medicaid managed care system; and

Whereas, Medicare rates do not reflect the actual cost to operate ambulance services and TennCare rates are, in most cases, half of what Medicare provides, forcing limitations of services and placing a greater burden on local agencies and citizens; and

Whereas, ambulance services throughout the State, in order to meet growing emergency needs and reduce the burden on the local governments and taxpayers need assistance in improving funding for these lifesaving services.

Therefore, be it resolved by the DeKalb County Board of County Commissioners that this body does hereby ask that we show our support for legislation which directs TennCare to reimburse ground ambulance providers at a rate not less than the current Medicare fee schedule; and

Be it further resolved that this body does hereby pray that our State Representatives and Senators be contacted and encouraged to support legislation which directs TennCare to reimburse ground ambulance providers at a rate not less than the current Medicare fee schedule; and

Be it further resolved that our delegates also request that the funding for this much needed change be provided within the Governor’s fiscal year 20-21 budget; and

Be it further resolved, that though this increased funding does not cover the full cost of services, it will begin an effort to aid our communities as demand continues to increase for EMS system resources across the state including the costs of maintaining staff, equipment and training for pre-hospital emergency medical services, and filling the gap of the reduction in hospitals throughout Tennessee that is rendering EMS systems as the first line of care for many counties.

Be it further resolved that the County Clerk send copies of this resolution to the members of the General Assembly representing DeKalb County.”