EMS is facing a crisis in our nation due to an increase of operating expenses, a decrease in volunteers, and a lack of Medicaid and commercial insurance reimbursement rates.
Pennsylvania Medicaid rates have not been adjusted since 2004, while operating costs have continued to increase for EMS agencies. Legislation changes are needed at the government level before ambulance agencies are forced to close their doors, leaving no one available to answer 9-1-1 emergency calls.
Pennsylvania Representative Martin Causer is working to address these serious challenges due to limited funding and the shrinking number of volunteers. Rep. Causer has introduced House Bill 699 as a solution to reform the PA Medicaid reimbursement rates.
Causer’s House Bill 699 was unanimously passed earlier this week by the Pennsylvania House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. House Bill 699 will increase the Medicaid reimbursement rates for emergency medical services. The bill is headed to House for full consideration.
An additional bill supporting EMS, House Bill 1013, is also being considered this week by the House to allow for reimbursement when transport does not take place as long as the following conditions are met: The Basic Life Support or Advanced Life Support unit has been dispatched from a 9-1-1 center, and the EMS crew provided care even though the transport was declined by the patient.
Click here to read more about bills supporting ambulance services.
