HC Board of Supervisors discuss EMS costs

MT. PLEASANT - The Henry County Supervisors are continuing to discuss the potential cost involved with the county taking over emergency medical services (EMS) from Henry County Health Center (HCHC).

At a work session on Tuesday, May 5, the supervisors noted it is projected to cost approximately $1.5 million to run the service. Supervisor Marc Lindeen said one of the biggest questions the board will have to tackle is how much the county would levy from taxpayers to cover the expense.

'Do we levy for the total amount, not knowing what the reimbursement would be? How would you come up with the correct number that way? That's the big question,” Lindeen said of insurance reimbursements for service.

Other expenses the board discussed included additional insurance the county would have to begin paying.

Supervisor Greg Moeller said one of his main concerns was 'HIPAA compliance” and the impact it would have on the county's liability insurance.

'Are we going to have to increase our liability coverage due to a number of employees providing medical services on behalf of the county? Our exposure will be a lot greater than it currently is,” Moeller said.

The board also discussed options for housing the service, including whether to lease space from the hospital or move the department to the former sheriff's office, which has now been vacated. Should the group decide to use the former office space, they would have to renovate the area to meet the needs of an EMS team.

Moeller noted the board would have to get a cost estimate to figure out 'what is going to be more cost effective,” as well as 'get in writing” a cost from the county hospital should the county not have their structure set up in time to house the service on their own. Moeller also noted the board would have to inquire about the cost of supplies, equipment and the ambulances.

'I'm going to assume the ambulances will come to the county at zero dollars. I think that's something that needs to be considered. I know they're owned by the hospital, but the hospital has been taxing the 27 cents levy for numerous years, so they're already paid for by the tax payers,” Moeller said.

The board also received a call from county resident Chad White during their work session, who asked whether there was 'any assurance from Henry County Health Center that they wouldn't implement a medical transport service of their own.”

Lindeen noted the topic had never been brought up prior but the board would plan to speak to the health center.