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U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, AL-07, joined Rep. Claudia Tenney, NY-24, on Monday to introduce the bipartisan Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act, ensuring that rural and underserved communities have access to critical emergency services. This legislation aims to provide adequate Medicare reimbursement for emergency service providers, helping them hire and retain EMT staff and modernize their equipment to continue delivering lifesaving care.
“When medical emergencies happen, we should feel confident that our first responders have the resources they need to deliver life-saving care,”said Rep. Sewell. “Unfortunately, inadequate Medicare reimbursement rates are putting a strain on ambulance service providers in the most vulnerable communities. The problem is particularly severe for rural communities like the ones I represent. This bill would adjust Medicare reimbursement practices so that vital ambulance services are available and accessible to all Americans.”
“Access to emergency services is critical in rural areas across the country, including NY-24, which spans 14 counties. However, lifesaving ambulance transports are often costly, placing a burden on patients and providers alike. The Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act will help reduce these costs while ensuring that emergency care providers can continue delivering vital medical services to rural communities nationwide,” said Rep. Tenney.
Additional cosponsors include Reps. Carol Miller, WV-01; Cliff Bentz, OR-02; Mike Carey, OH-15; Paul Tonko, NY-20; and Marie Gluesenkemp-Perez, WA-03.
“Many of my constituents in West Virginia live hours away from their nearest hospital, so it is critical that emergency ground ambulance providers can deliver quality care in a timely manner. In efforts to support our communities’ medical responders, I am joining my colleagues in introducing the bipartisan Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act. This bill will give ambulance service providers the appropriate Medicare reimbursement needed for them to continue providing adequate life-saving treatment to vulnerable patients without worrying about high costs,” said Rep. Miller.
“Our emergency responders are on the frontlines every day to provide our communities with lifesaving care,” said Rep. Tonko. “Their work is even more essential for our nation’s rural and underserved regions, where hospitals and access to medical care are many miles away. Our legislation supports ambulance services and helps ensure that Americans are delivered affordable care, regardless of where they live.”
“Rural Americans shouldn’t have to pay a premium for ambulance services because of where they live. EMTs provide essential, life-saving care that can be expensive in rural areas. This bill provides an avenue to keep costs low for patients and retain EMT talent so they can continue to serve rural communities in Ohio,” said Rep. Carey.
