Budgets could cut pay for thousands of EMS workers in West Virginia, coalition says
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) — The West Virginia EMS Coalition, which represents the emergency medical service agencies in 51 counties in the state, is encouraging West Virginians to contact legislators amid the potential loss of an emergency services pay incentive program that could lead to extreme shortages in the industry.
According to the coalition, EMS Salary Enhancement Funds, a program that was put in place by the West Virginia Legislature in 2023 to make EMS positions in the state more competitive with neighboring states, 'has no funding source in the current FY 2025' or the proposed budget for FY 2026.
A release from the coalition said that unless funds are allocated for the program, EMS workers in West Virginia will lose $9 million through reduction in salaries, loss of stipends and cuts in retention pay and another million in mental health support.
The loss could lead to a 'crippling shortage' of EMS workers in the state, according to the coalition.
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'EMS agencies are not just competing to recruit and retain EMTs and paramedics against other states, they are also competing for a workforce against other better paying health care professions in West Virginia which offer regular hours, holidays off and a more predictable work environment,' the coalition said.
Counties with the most need were the highest recipients of the Salary Enhancement Funds and will be hit hardest if the program is not funded, but all 55 counties would be impacted.
The group is urging Gov. Patrick Morrisey (R) and the West Virginia Legislature to create permanent annual funding for EMS in the state, which will allow for continued EMS Salary Enhancement Funds. According to the coalition, the $10 million in retention efforts created by Senate Bill 737 is the only state funding provided for EMS in West Virginia, which is only about 1% of the total annual operating cost.
Additional information on the EMS Salary Enhancement Funds and how to contact legislators is available here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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