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Local technology training firm rolling its way to revenue records C.S. Humphrey stays on higher plane after Stowers project boost Squareshooter licked in its battle to save candy plant Printable version Email story Check it out! Today's breaking news Exclusive Reports From the August 17, 2001 print edition MAST sounds alarm about Medicare rates Anna Jaffe StafF Writer Metropolitan Ambulance Services Trust is facing a fiscal emergency as a result of impending reductions in Medicare reimbursements. MAST officials said that without increased financing from local and state governments, the organization could be forced to scale back service. MAST estimated that it will lose more than $10.6 million in Medicare revenue during a five-year fiscal period as the new rates are phased in. "This is an effort by the federal government to cut costs," said John Sharp, MAST's executive director. "But it jeopardizes the health of Americans who have a right to expect high-quality ambulance service. It's not only immoral, it's stupid." Sharp said MAST's cost,per transport is about $438.30. The Medicare rates are more than $100 less than cost. The loss in revenue could deal a crippling blow to MAST, a nonprofit public trust that provides emergency services to 17 municipalities in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Until 1999, MAST operated at a modest profit. But recent modifications in Medicare payment rules have hurt the organization's finances. In each of the past two fiscal years, MAST lost more than $1 million. Within the month, MAST probably will exhaust its cash reserves and need to borrow money to sustain its operations, Sharp said. MAST's financial picture will deteriorate further once the new Medicare reimbursement rates take efFect, which could be as soon as Jan. 1. z