Emergency medical services (EMS) providers in Vermont are urging lawmakers to reconsider a state tax they say places undue financial strain on their operations.
Since 2018, EMS agencies have been required to pay a 3.3 percent “ambulance agency assessment fee” on their annual revenue, with proceeds directed toward federal Medicare and Medicaid lobbying efforts, WCAX reports.
Shelburne EMS, which responds to over 1,600 calls annually, reports having paid more than $15,000 in assessment fees last fiscal year alone.
EMS Chief Andrew Keel argues the funds could be better utilized to offset rising costs driven by inflation and to support critical needs such as updated equipment and employee pay, WCAX reports.
Vermont lawmakers, including Senator Ginny Lyons, acknowledge the issue is worth discussing but caution that altering the tax could have broader implications.