The Covington County Hospital Ambulance Service recently added two new ambulances to their fleet. These 2023 Osage Type II Ford 250 Travois Transit vehicles feature 3.7L Eco-boost gas engines and all-wheel drive.
They were acquired to replace two older units with high mileage that were requiring frequent repairs. Both vehicles have passed the final inspection by the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services (BEMS) at the Mississippi Department of Health. They are now in full rotation with all necessary equipment.
Additionally, the 2024 Mississippi Legislative Session saw the passing of several new laws that will benefit EMS services throughout the state.
— House Bill 1489, The Mississippi Triage, Treat and Transport to Alternative Destination Act, went into effect on July 1, requiring insurance companies to cover all costs for emergency care.
The minimum allowable reimbursement rate will be the greater of 325 percent of the reimbursement allowed by Medicare or the ambulance service’s billed charges. Previously, insurance company payouts were not enough to cover the services provided.
“This should be a game-changer for us,” said Todd Jones, CCH EMS Director. “Prior to this law, oftentimes, insurance companies would not reimburse for our services or the supplies used in the field.”
HB1489 only affects commercial insurance providers and excludes Medicaid or Medicare insurance. Uninsured patients will still be responsible for paying for ambulance service.
“With the passage of this bill, we plan to reinvest in our equipment and staff and better serve the people of Covington County,” said Jones.
—House Bill 1644 states that contracts between cities or counties and ambulance service providers must contain a mutual aid agreement. This provision would allow other ambulance service providers with a mutual agreement to respond to calls for service in the area if the contracting provider is ever short on staff or equipment.
— House Bill 995 provides that the State Department of Health will design, construct, and maintain a memorial to honor EMS personnel who have given their lives in the performance of their duties and those who have made a substantial contribution to EMS in Mississippi. The memorial must be constructed on state-owned land near the City of Jackson.
