Dickinson County to Remove EMS Non-Transport Fees in Favor of Federal Reimbursement

Dickinson County officials announced plans to request a change to the county fee schedule that would eliminate charges for emergency medical treatment when patients refuse transport. Under the current schedule, the county charged a Level 1 treatment non-transport fee of $125 and a Level 2 fee of $475 for cases in which EMS treats a patient who then declines to be transported.

Officials said the EMS department has signed an agreement to participate in a federal program, administered through the state, that allows the county to seek reimbursement for these cases through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services rather than billing the patient directly. The program runs through August 2027. Staff said the county has a notable number of residents who call 911 and then refuse treatment when the ambulance arrives, and officials indicated the change could generate revenue a different way.

Commissioners noted that sometimes an ambulance is called as a precaution and the situation turns out to be less serious, and that having the ambulance respond quickly is considered a best practice. The item was expected to be placed on the following week's agenda for formal action.