Request for Information
Michigan does not participate in the Ground Emergency Medical Transportation (GEMT) program, which provides millions of dollars to local agencies for transportation of Medicaid patients. This survey will be used to measure potential impact of GEMT adoption in Michigan and gauge interest in pursuing legislative action.
Ambulance services provide THOUSANDS of medical transportation trips for
2.7 MILLION MEDICAID ENROLLEES in Michigan that DO NOT receive the full reimbursement available from the federal government
WE AIM TO CHANGE THIS.
GEMT QUICK FACTS
VOLUNTARY PROGRAM
GEMT is a voluntary program available to emergency medical transportation providers operated by or for any governmental entity. Local governing bodies have the option to choose whether or not they participate in the program. Each community can evaluate the expected benefits received with provider capacity and costs of program participation.
STABLE SOURCE OF FEDERAL FUNDING
GEMT programs are entitlement programs are part of the federal Medicaid
System. They operate as part of the Social Security Act Title XIX and have been in use since 1965. There are no current plans to repeal or withdraw funds from providing this benefit.
ENHANCES QUALITY OF CARE
Providing reliable and timely transportation to medical facilities during emergencies improves service delivery and care for Medicaid recipients. This program ultimately bridges gaps in transportation services, enabling Medicaid recipients to receive essential medical treatment without delays or obstacles.
IMPROVES WORKFORCE RETENTION AND ATTRACTION
Emergency service providers were one of the most impacted workforce segments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Providing stable reimbursement mechanisms reduces financial uncertainties for emergency providers and allows them to develop a stable, motivated, and high-quality emergency medical workforce.
MILLIONS OF DOLLARS FOR MICHIGAN PROVIDERS
Participation in the GEMT program offers significant financial benefits to local communities by injecting much-needed funding to offset the costs of emergency medical transportation services. This additional revenue can be vital for community health infrastructure, enhancing the overall quality of healthcare services and reducing financial burden on local taxpayers.
EMS IS IN CRISIS
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) play a vital role in the healthcare continuum, offering critical out-of-hospital care and transport to medical facilities for those in urgent need. However, in recent years, various factors have led to a crisis in EMS, primarily driven by the trauma of the COVID-19 pandemic, the unavailability of qualified staff, and increasing capital costs.
DELAYED RESPONSE TIME
A shortage of available staffed ambulances can lead to longer response times, which in emergency medical situations can have dire consequences.
STRAIN ON EXISTING STAFF
Fewer personnel means those remaining are overworked, leading to fatigue and increased chances of errors.
INCREASED RELIANCE ON MUTUAL AID
Some areas may rely more on neighboring services for backup, which can further delay response times.
CLOSURE OF EMS AGENCIES
Particularly in rural areas, some EMS agencies have had to shut down due to financial constraints, leaving communities underserved or reliant on distant services.
TRAINIG AND EDUCATION
Becoming an EMS professional, particularly a paramedic, requires extensive training and education. This time and financial investment can deter potential candidates, leading to fewer individuals entering the profession.
BURNOUT
The job of an EMS professional is demanding, both physically and emotionally. Constant exposure to trauma, long shifts, sleep disruption, and the life-and-death nature of the job can lead to burnout, depression, and other mental health challenges.
COMPENSATION
Historically, many EMS professionals have been paid wages that are not commensurate with the skills required and risks taken in their roles. This lack of competitive pay makes it difficult to attract and retain skilled personnel.
TURNOVER AND RETIREMENT
High stress, relatively low pay, and challenging working conditions particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic are contributing to a high turnover rate. Additionally, as the existing workforce ages, retirements without adequate replacement further exacerbate the staffing shortage.
EQUIPMENT AND AMBULANCE COSTS
Medical equipment used in EMS is specialized and often expensive. As medical technology advances, the costs for these tools increase. Recent inflation has also placed additional pressure on EMS system’s expenses.
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
Meeting ever-evolving regulatory and certification standards often requires investments in training, equipment, and infrastructure.
TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS
Keeping up with the latest in medical and communication technology is necessary to provide the best care. But implementing these advancements comes at a high cost.
INFRASTRUCTURE
EMS agencies require bases of operation, and as property and facility costs increase, this can strain budgets.
Addressing the crisis in EMS requires a multifaceted approach, including increased funding, community support, improved training opportunities, and measures to enhance the attractiveness and sustainability of EMS as a profession. MI-GEMT seeks to provide supplemental payments to emergency service providers that provide critical care to Medicaid patients. This will enhance providers’ ability to recruit and retain staff, maintain equipment and infrastructure, and above all, provide quality care for Michigan’s Medicaid population.
IMPROVING ACCESS, QUALITY, AND SUSTAINABILITY OF CARE is at the core of the GEMT program. Increased Medicaid reimbursement to Michigan’s communities will pave the way for IMPROVED EMERGENCY HEALTHCARE ACCESS AND OUTCOMES for Medicaid beneficiaries in the state.
BENEFITS OF THE GEMT PROGRAM
1
IMPROVES ACCESS TO EMERGENCY CARE
Providing care to Medicaid beneficiaries places a financial burden on communities, making it more difficult.
2
IMPROVES QUALITY OF CARE
Bridge the gap between patients and healthcare facilities, GEMT ensures timely access to essential care during emergencies.
3
IMPROVES RECRUITING
Emergency medical response has experienced a recruiting
crisis in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Increasing reimbursement to providers will help improve wages to attract more workers into the sector.
4
IMPROVES ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY
By bolstering the financial health of EMS agencies, the program supports job creation, stimulates local economies, and contributes to the overall well-being and safety of residents.
5
IMPROVES CARE OUTCOMES
