New fire legislation to minimize EMS costs

Long Island volunteer firefighters are pushing elected officials to support legislation that would allow fire departments throughout Nassau County to bill insurance companies and government benefit programs for Emergency Medical Services.

State Sen. John Brooks, in support of the legislation, said the bill would alleviate the burden on EMS departments throughout the state. In the state, fire departments are also EMS providers, but not allowed to recover any expenses associated with emergency medical services.

According to Brooks, himself a volunteer firefighter and Ex-chief of the Seaford Fire Department, many departments are responding an increasing number of EMS calls, and not as many fire runs.

“It’s only logical to allow all ambulance services to bill insurance companies to recover the associated costs of providing Emergency Medical Services,” Brooks said on Feb. 15. “Removing the restriction on volunteer-based EMS to bill insurance companies will help alleviate the financial burden our taxpayers now absorb when our volunteers provide care to individuals in need of help.”

Nassau County fire departments are known as the busiest departments in the state, particularly in answering a high number of EMS calls. The bipartisan legislation would alleviate an affordability crisis affecting fire departments across the state, according to Brooks. It also means fire departments would bill the insurance companies or government agencies and not the people receiving the services.

If given the ability to recover costs associated with emergency medical services will allow the fire departments to prevent cuts, invest in personnel, equipment, training and time — providing the fire department with the financial assistance, Brooks said.

“We must continue to ensure that all residents have access to fire and ambulance services in emergency situations,” Brooks added. “I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this crucial legislation.”