Josephine County approves 10% rate increase for AMR ambulance service

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners voted Wednesday to approve a 10% rate and mileage increase for American Medical Response Northwest (AMR), setting an implementation date of Oct. 1, 2026.

Dave Matthews, AMR operations manager, said the increase is necessary to offset inflationary labor costs and rising operational expenses. "American Medical Response Northwest is requesting a 10% increase to our rates and mileage adjustment as listed," Matthews told the board. He said AMR expects no retroactive billing and that Medicare and Medicaid patients would not see a financial impact. Matthews estimated the additional annual revenue at $154,117 and noted AMR's forecasted ambulance salaries for the year at $3,574,414 and a collective-bargaining increase next year of $107,232.

Matthews presented a regional rate survey showing AMR's proposed base rate is lower than many comparable jurisdictions (Washington County $2,474; Lebanon $2,200; Corvallis $2,250; Albany $2,296), and described AMR's staffing and assets, including 42 full-time and 45 part-time personnel, seven staffed ambulances at peak, reserve units and specialized equipment. He also described clinical integrations with regional partners, citing physician oversight and participation in cardiac and stroke response programs.

Commissioners discussed payer constraints and the limits on adjusting federally set rates. After brief discussion, Commissioner Richardson moved to approve the increase; the motion was seconded and carried on a roll call vote: Richardson — Yes; Martin — Yes; Smith — Yes.

The board record shows the increase will be implemented Oct. 1, 2026; Matthews told commissioners there would be no retroactive billing to previously delivered services.