Hurry up and wait is the message for EMS

EMS agencies likely to not see any money

 

LAPEER CO. — The battle to recoup lost revenue for Emergency Medical Service companies across the state, including Lapeer County, continues to be an issue.

The latest news has the issue being pushed back to what some state officials say could be “years” before the EMS services might see any recovery of revenue.

Lapeer County EMS Director Russ Adams had the opportunity to speak in Lansing regarding the issue and wishes he had better news.

“There are more delays. Last week, I was honored to testify in front of the Appropriations Committee with two other colleagues representing agencies affected by this,” Adams said.

“We were received well, but no clear path forward. An Auditor General’s report came out last week also, which states EMS is likely to see nothing from the bankruptcy filing, and that it will take three plus years, to go through the process. Frustrating is not a strong enough word for this situation. All the effort going into getting the House to act will have to be duplicated to get the Senate to move it as well – we are no closer today than we were last year.”

The Michigan Department of Corrections most recent prisoner healthcare contract with Wellpath LLC became effective April 14, 2021, making the contractor, Grand Prairie Healthcare Services (GPHS), responsible for the general health, psychiatric health, and medication needs of about 32,500 prisoners annually across 27 facilities.

In May 2024, GPHS consented to VitalCore Physicians Group, PLLC taking its place as contractor, thereby making VitalCore Physicians Group responsible for carrying out the remainder of the contract.

In September 2024, the State filed a formal lawsuit against GPHS and its subcontractor, Wellpath LLC, for breach of contract.

A report confirms the State of Michigan’s lawsuit is on hold until Wellpath’s bankruptcy proceedings are completed, which could take years, leaving EMS providers no chance of repayment through state litigation until bankruptcy proceedings for Wellpath, the Michigan Department of Corrections former healthcare provider, are completed according to the new Auditor General’s report.

In bankruptcy proceedings, unsecured creditors typically receive pennies on the dollar of what they are owed.

This makes it unlikely that EMS providers across Michigan would receive anything following Wellpath’s bankruptcy.

The lack of payment continues to strain emergency response agencies, putting emergency care in jeopardy while leaving Michiganders vulnerable when they need help most.

As EMS agencies are required under Michigan law to respond to all 9-1-1 requests, the State of Michigan must reimburse EMS agencies for services rendered to MDOC.

“It’s long past time to prioritize the health and safety of our communities and right this wrong that is clearly not going to be fixed through litigation anytime soon,” said Adams. “We urge legislators to fix this crisis before communities are left without emergency care.”

Jeff White, Chief of Richmond Lenox EMS who serves portions of Macomb and St. Clair County said, “We take our duty as EMS providers very seriously and are simply asking to be paid for our lifesaving work. We urge swift bipartisan action to preserve emergency care across our state.”

The lack of payment for emergency services has caused EMS providers, who serve nearly 60% of the state’s population to deal with serious financial woes.

Most dire is the situation in the Eastern Upper Peninsula, where delinquent payments of nearly $500,000 owed to Kinross EMS put the agency less than a month from closing its doors.