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Mileage costs for ambulance runs increase

Staff reporter

Marion County Commission approved a mileage increase Monday to transport patients in a county ambulance.

Emergency medical services director Larry Larsen told the commission that the cost of fuel and maintenance should be considered which led to the increase. He compared the county's EMS services with other counties.

Before the increase, Marion County was charging $5 per loaded mile. Kiowa County charges $8.25 per loaded mile, Dickinson County $9, and Butler County was increasing to $10. Medicare pays up to $9.38 per loaded mile and Medicaid pays half of the rate.

The base rate for ambulance service costs consumers from $250-$400, depending on type of call.

Based on 17,800 loaded miles logged in 2006, if the mileage cost were increased to $9.50 per mile, the county could generate $76,549 in increased revenue. At $9.75 per mile, revenue would be $80,802, and $85,056 for $10 per loaded mile. The commission approved the increase of $9.75 per loaded mile which will become effective April 1.

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