Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers across the country continue to face widening gaps between the true cost of delivering emergency medical transportation and the Medicaid reimbursements meant to support that care. Public Consulting Group’s (PCG) new white paper, Use of Medicaid Ambulance Supplemental Payment Program (ASPP) Funds: A National Survey, offers a data-driven look at how agencies are bridging this financial divide. Drawing on survey responses from 120 EMS agencies across 15 states, the report highlights how ASPP funding helps departments offset rising costs for equipment, staffing, and ongoing operations; ensuring essential services remain accessible, especially in rural and underserved communities. With over 90% of respondents stating that ASPPs are “very” or “extremely” important to their survival, the findings underscore the critical role these supplemental payments play in sustaining the national EMS system.

Beyond documenting how funds are reinvested, the white paper explores the real-world consequences of reductions in ASPP support, including staffing shortages, service disruptions, and greater financial strain on taxpayers. As states face evolving federal guidance and shifting reimbursement landscapes, understanding the value and vulnerability of ASPP funding is more important than ever. For EMS leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders committed to protecting emergency medical care, this report offers essential insights and practical recommendations.

Download the full white paper to learn how ASPP funds are shaping the future of EMS and why preserving and strengthening these programs is vital to public health.