– February 14, 2026 – Patriot Emergency Medical Services (Patriot EMS) today announced a major consolidation and restructuring effort in response to mounting financial pressures caused by inadequate reimbursement rates from Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance payors, as well as delayed payments tied to recent government shutdown disruptions.
Ambulance providers across the United States are facing unprecedented economic strain. Unlike fire-based or municipally funded EMS systems, private ambulance services receive no direct government subsidy and must rely almost entirely on reimbursement revenue to sustain operations. Reimbursement rates have not kept pace with the true cost of delivering emergency medical care, leaving many providers nationwide struggling to survive.
Workforce and Operational Changes
As part of its restructuring plan, Patriot EMS will reduce its workforce by approximately 50% in order to maintain core community operations and preserve essential emergency response capabilities in remaining service areas.
Additionally, Patriot EMS will close the following stations:
• Mingo County, West Virginia
• Magoffin County, Kentucky
• Floyd County, Kentucky
These closures and staffing reductions are necessary to stabilize the organization and prevent a total collapse of services.
“This decision is one of the most difficult in our company’s history,” said Krista Ellison, Owner of Patriot EMS. “Our employees are dedicated professionals who serve their communities with compassion and skill. However, without meaningful reimbursement reform or local funding support, we are left with no alternative but to scale operations to remain viable.”
Financial Pressures and Delayed Payments
Patriot EMS currently has approximately $5.1 million in outstanding accounts receivable,
significantly impacting cash flow and operational sustainability. Of that amount, Kentucky Medicaid, Anthem, and Wellcare are the major payors that are not issuing reimbursement in appropriate time frames. Recent federal government shutdown disruptions delayed Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements, compounding an already critical financial situation.
“Emergency medical services cannot operate like traditional businesses,” added Krista Ellison.
“We respond to every call, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. But when reimbursement is delayed or insufficient, the financial burden becomes unsustainable.”
Calls for Local and State Support
Patriot EMS has approached multiple county governments seeking financial assistance or subsidy partnerships to help offset operational deficits. Despite numerous discussions, no funding agreements were secured.
Across the nation, private ambulance companies are facing similar challenges. Without structural reimbursement reform or local government subsidy models, many communities risk losing essential emergency medical transport services.
Commitment to Continued Service
Despite these reductions, Patriot EMS remains committed to maintaining reliable emergency response services within its remaining coverage areas. The consolidation is intended to preserve core operations, protect clinical quality, and ensure long-term sustainability wherever possible.
“We remain dedicated to serving our communities,” said Krista Ellison. “However, systemic changes are urgently needed to ensure that private EMS providers can continue delivering lifesaving care.”
About Patriot Emergency Medical Services
Patriot Emergency Medical Services is an ambulance provider of emergency and non-emergency medical transportation services, serving communities in Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia.
Patriot EMS employs certified EMTs and paramedics dedicated to delivering safe, timely, and professional patient care.
For inquiries, please contact:
Krista Ellison
Owner
740-532-2222
kellison@patriotems.com
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