STURGIS, S.D. – Sturgis residents may see higher ambulance bills after the City Council approved an increase in ambulance service fees.
Ambulance Service Director Bryson Kool says the adjustments are needed to keep pace with rising operating costs, including personnel wages, medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, fuel, insurance, equipment replacement, training, and regulatory requirements.
Most ambulance service fees will increase by between 50 and 200 dollars. The largest increase involves specialty care transport services, which will rise from 2,500 dollars to 8,000 dollars. Those transports require specially trained paramedics or critical care providers and remain comparable to rates charged by neighboring ambulance services.
Kool says the fee adjustments were developed after reviewing rates charged by ambulance providers in Deadwood and Spearfish.
The increase comes as ambulance services across South Dakota continue to face financial challenges due to rising costs and low insurance reimbursement rates. State lawmakers are currently studying long-term funding solutions to help ensure ambulance service sustainability across the state.
City officials say the fee increase will help maintain reliable emergency medical care while reducing the burden on local taxpayers.
