Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-123) and Assemblyman Joseph Angelino  responded to the Report on Rural Ambulance Services, released in January by the Rural Ambulance Services Task Force. The task force was created by legislation passed in 2021 by Sen. Michelle Hinchey and Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara (S3503C/A1561C). Lupardo and Angelino have worked together on EMS issues for the last five years.

 The task force’s main objective was to conduct a study on the unique challenges faced by ambulance services in rural areas. The report describes the rural EMS system as “teetering on the brink of collapse” due to long ambulance wait times, funding shortfalls and barriers to volunteer recruitment, among other issues. The report provides nearly 40 recommendations, with Medicaid rate increases being one of the most important during this budget cycle.

“The task force report confirms what we have been warning about for years—that EMS services, especially in rural areas, are at risk,” Lupardo said. “While our coordinated #RescueEMS campaign raised awareness and passed several bills that helped, it’s clear that much more needs to be done. Our highest priority is to acknowledge that the current funding model is unsustainable, with Medicaid reimbursement rates woefully inadequate. My hope is that this report will move people to act on behalf of the public, whose health and safety are at risk. I’d like to thank my colleague Joe Angelino for his partnership over these years.”

“As a volunteer first responder, I have seen firsthand that Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has been in crisis for years—especially in rural areas,” Angelino said. “A recently released report on rural ambulance services, commissioned by the legislature in 2021, highlights the severity of the problem. The report also offers suggestions for legislative relief and operational sustainability. Rural EMS is an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ problem that becomes all too real when you or a loved one needs an ambulance. My colleague Assemblywoman Lupardo and I listened to the needs of the EMS professionals and were able to unanimously pass legislation to help EMS agencies generate sustainable funding (S1515/A2177). Unfortunately, the legislation was vetoed by the governor. Short-term financial relief now must come in the state budgetary process by increasing rates paid for Medicaid transportation. Rural EMS is on shaky ground and cannot survive on dedication and pride alone.”  

Assemblyman Joseph Angelino (R,C-121)
Norwich, NY