PARKERSBURG, W.Va. 鈥� St. Joseph鈥檚 Ambulance Service will shut down operations at the end of March, stating financial challenges as the primary reason for the closure.
In a press release, company President Dwane Weekley stated that stagnant Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements have failed to keep pace with rising operational costs, forcing the difficult decision after months of deliberation, reported.
The company鈥檚 expenses include personnel wages, liability coverage, fuel and the cost of medications and equipment. Additionally, uncollected billing has grown significantly, with contracted transport costs exceeding $500,000 annually.
As a for-profit business, St. Joseph鈥檚 Ambulance Service is ineligible for state or federal grants, including CARES Act funding and other relief programs typically reserved for non-profit EMS providers.
The ambulance service has also struggled with recruitment, The Parkersburg News and Sentinel reported.
Weekley stated the company aimed to provide the Wood County officials with enough time to ensure continued EMS coverage for residents before ceasing operations.
St. Joseph鈥檚 Ambulance Service currently employs 83 full- and part-time staff members.
