MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) Lawmakers questioned Friday whether South Dakota’s ambulance services can remain viable amid aging equipment, reliance on volunteers, and limited reimbursement during a Senate Health and Human Services Committee briefing on rural health funding.

Health Secretary Melissa Magstadt briefed the committee on the state’s Rural Health Transformation Fund, prompting discussion about whether federal dollars can meaningfully support emergency medical services, particularly in rural areas.

Sen. Tamara Grove, R-Lower Brule, said ambulance services depend heavily on local governments and volunteers and are not classified as essential services under state law.

“Our ambulance services are not essential services,” Grove said. “They’re taken care of by local counties and communities and people volunteering their time.”

Grove asked whether federal funds could be used for ambulance equipment rather than being limited to training and workforce development.

Magstadt said federal rules prohibit construction projects but allow equipment purchases and workforce incentives. She said the state wrote its application broadly to reflect differences between communities.

“CMS does not allow brick-and-mortar builds, but it does allow equipment,” Magstadt said.

Magstadt also said community health workers — trained, non-clinical staff who help patients manage issues such as transportation and follow-up care — could reduce non-emergency ambulance calls.

The discussion also focused on whether allowing reimbursement for treatment without transport could reduce financial strain on ambulance services.