2 Maine hospital groups say the DEA is forcing them to stop supplying local EMS with critical drugs. The feds say they’re wrong. Local EMS crews are caught in between.
EMS
Posted inBusiness, Health, Maine, News
Central Maine towns grapple with rate hikes announced by regional ambulance service
Delta Ambulance officials announced a $20 to $25 increase in per capita rates for 2026 at the China town office Wednesday morning. That number could rise, officials said.
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Posted inMaine
Grants to Biddeford and Saco fire departments bolster training
New equipment will allow the fire departments to conduct more effective training sessions.
Posted inHealth, Maine
Maine community paramedicine in doubt after federal cuts
The programs, in which EMS workers make home visits to patients, have helped curb expensive hospital visits, providers say.
Posted inHealth, Maine, Politics
Sen. Collins proposes reimbursement reforms for EMS services
The bill, co-sponsored by Sen. Joe Manchin, I-West Virginia, would require payment for EMS services even when a Medicare patient is not transported to a hospital. Maine passed a similar bill in 2023 for patients with private insurance.
Posted inHealth, Maine
Maine EMS debates how to spend remaining emergency funds
A little over half of the $31 million aimed at shoring up the state’s struggling emergency medical services has yet to be distributed. Some say the funds should go directly to EMS agencies while others want to support training centers.
Posted inHealth, Maine, News
New device, medication help Maine paramedics improve baby delivery
Former EMS protocol required paramedics to transport mothers and babies in separate ambulances. Now crews can carry them together, giving a mother and her child more time to connect.
Posted inMaine, News
Maine’s firefighters rarely fight fires. Instead they’re answering medical calls.
In 2022, just 4.5% of calls that came into Maine fire departments were for fires. Almost three-quarters were for medical assistance.
Posted inHealth, Maine, Politics
Struggling emergency medical responders still awaiting $31 million in funds approved last year
Bureaucratic hurdles have delayed urgently needed funding for Maine’s struggling ambulance services.
Posted inEditorials, Opinion
Our View: A budget that works for Maine families is a budget worth passing
The Legislature should support the bipartisan spending plan passed last week by the Appropriations Committee.