PIKE COUNTY, Ohio — In a major announcement affecting Pike County residents, MedCare said that they would no longer be providing emergency services for the county.
MedCare has been providing 9-1-1 services for the past 18 months. The services were provided after a countywide EMS system started to run out of money.
MedCare, which is an ambulance and sister company to MedFlight, released a statement released yesterday.
A spokesperson said, “During that time, our teams have done a phenomenal job of providing safe, reliable, and high-quality transportation. Unfortunately, providing 911 services is a very challenging undertaking. Given the state of EMS today, we have been plagued with shifts in payer mix (more individuals going to Medicaid or self-pay), the cost of readiness, poor reimbursement from insurance companies, challenges with the No Surprises Act (NSA), and increases in salaries to recruit and retain partners. That being said, it is no wonder why nearly every public EMS system is subsidized through local taxes.”
The Pike County Board of Commissioners was notified of the company’s decision.
MedCare said that they and their partners would continue to provide services through February 25, 2023, per their agreement which states that the county must be given a 180-day termination notice.
MedCare did state in their notice that they would be open to continuing services under a “break-even model.”
MedCare officials went on to say, “As a not-for-profit, our goal is to ensure we cover all costs. This includes replacing capital items (ambulances and medical equipment) associated with operating the service.”
The Guardian spoke with the Pike County Commissioners’ office on Thursday and inquired about the memo. A secretary told the Guardian “nothing official” was “done” and that “no commissioners were in to speak with.”