Leaders call for emergency funding, reform to save Minn. Ambulance services

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Ambulance Association (MAA), joined by state lawmakers and EMS leaders from across the state, held a press conference Tuesday at the Minnesota State Capitol to highlight the growing crisis in Minnesota’s emergency medical services (EMS) system and urge immediate legislative action.
EMS providers warned that outdated funding models, critically low Medicaid reimbursement rates, and an ongoing workforce shortage are pushing ambulance services — especially in rural and Greater Minnesota — toward collapse. According to state data, ambulance services responded to more than 600,000 emergencies in 2024 alone, yet many are being forced to reduce shifts, cut staff, or shut down entirely due to financial strain.
“EMS is the safety net of our healthcare system—available 24/7, ready to respond when Minnesotans need us most,” said Michael Juntunen, president of the Minnesota Ambulance Association and Community Paramedicine Coordinator at Mayo Clinic Ambulance. “We are there for hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans every year. EMS providers show up when Minnesotans need us most. Now, we need lawmakers to show up for EMS.”
Speakers at the press conference called on lawmakers to:
• Pass ongoing EMS sustainability funding to stabilize the system
• Increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for ambulance providers
• Continue investments in EMS workforce development and training programs
Sen. Grant Hauschild (DFL–Hermantown) emph-asized the urgency of supporting ambulance services in rural communities.
“EMS providers are doing more with less, and they’re teetering on the edge of collapse. We must act now to provide sustainable funding and raise reimbursement rates.”
Rep. Jeff Backer (R–Browns Valley), a volunteer EMT since 1995, brought a frontline perspective: “I’ve been on those calls. When someone dials 9-1-1, they’re counting on us. But EMS can’t keep operating on a broken funding model. It’s time to fix this and ensure fair, reliable support.”
EMS leaders also spoke to the human impact of the crisis. Becca Huebsch, Director of Perham Area EMS, said, “Our team stretches every day to provide high-quality care. But we can’t keep doing more with less. We need the state to invest in EMS now — or more communities will be left without lifesaving care.”
Representing local governments, Bradley Peterson, executive director of the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities, noted that cities are being forced to dip into local budgets to keep ambulance services operating.
“Without state action, the entire system is at risk. We need emergency aid now, and a long-term plan that works for all of Minnesota.”