A growing and aging population is forcing Texas counties to seek state EMS funding

Although Texas counties are not required to provide ambulance services, many are looking for ways to pay for their own fleet or to contract out services due to populations that are growing and aging. Some county leaders plan to ask state lawmakers in January for a better, dedicated way to fund emergency medical care. They have their eyes on a successful remedy secured by rural law enforcement agencies. A year ago, a new $330 million grant program was approved for rural policing needs. Counties would like to see such a grant program to help counties pay for rural ambulance services.