NOTE: While this article emphasizes Perry County, this legislation passed in the 2026 Alabama Legislative Session helps all EMS services in Alabama.
Ambulance Bill to Mitigate Financial Burden on County Commission Advances
The Alabama State Legislature has provided a significant boost to the establishment of a viable ambulance service in Perry County and other counties lacking a hospital. Senator Bobby Singleton’s bill, which aims to standardize reimbursement rates for ambulance services, currently awaits the Governor’s signature.
This legislation addresses two key concerns of rural ambulance services, which have been struggling to remain operational.
1. Enables Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers to receive reimbursement for treating patients on-site, rather than being required to transport them to a hospital.
2. Establishes a standardized payment rate for ground ambulance services, which is currently non-existent in the state. The bill mandates that health insurers pay in-network providers a minimum of 200% of the Medicare Ambulance Fee Schedule Rate for basic life support, while out-of-network providers must pay 180% of that rate.
This bill, widely regarded as a vital measure to support rural healthcare in Alabama, is one step away from becoming law. Upon receiving the Governor’s signature, the bill will take effect on October 1, 2026.
Currently, the Perry County Commission and the Perry County Hospital Board collectively allocate over $350,000 to maintain countywide ambulance services. Chairman Albert Turner, Jr., who publicly endorsed the bill and spoke during committee hearings in Montgomery, emphasized that this legislation will enable the service to contribute more significantly towards its operation and expansion to a full 24/7 operation on both ends of Perry County. The absence of a hospital in Perry County renders the ambulance service even more critical than in counties with existing hospitals.
Chairman Turner has consistently advocated for the expansion of the ambulance service and medical services in Perry County. He helped bring the dialysis clinic to Perry County, and supported the establishment of Cahaba Medical Clinic in Perry County along with his continued involvement with Sowing Seeds of Hope which provides an array of medical screenings for the community.
