Michigan law requires EMS agencies to provide medical support to individuals regardless of their financial situation. That includes caring for inmates in correctional facilities.
The state Department of Corrections previously had first responder groups bill a third-party healthcare company for prisoner services.
Jeff White leads an EMS agency in Macomb County. He says the unpaid service totals over six million dollars.
“That's not the fault of the local EMS providers who provided the service and the care, and it certainly isn't the fault of our local taxpayers.”
Emergency medical providers are seeking support from the state legislature. A spokesperson for the Michigan Speaker of the House says the office is looking into the issue.
