The West Virginia House of Delegates has approved legislation aimed at stabilizing emergency medical services as agencies across the state face mounting financial pressures.
House Bill 5168 proposes using state lottery funds to support ambulance services, with counties required to match the state contribution using local resources. Supporters say the measure would create West Virginia’s first permanent funding source for EMS if it clears the Senate and is signed into law.
Del. Buck Jennings, R-Preston, a retired paramedic who has advocated for EMS funding reform since 2018, said previous attempts to pass similar legislation fell short due to timing issues late in legislative sessions. He expressed optimism that the proposal will advance this year.
Lead sponsor Del. Joe Statler, R-Monongalia, said counties would have flexibility in meeting the matching requirement. Contributions from hospitals, grants, private donations or other local funding sources could qualify toward the match, he said.
Rich Sutphin, executive director of the West Virginia Rural Health Association, noted that while the match requirement could pose challenges for some smaller counties, the legislation is likely to be welcomed in rural communities seeking more stable EMS funding.
Lawmakers acknowledged the bill would not resolve all financial issues facing EMS providers but described it as a significant first step toward long-term sustainability.