HARRISBURG — Legislation to assist EMS agencies by ensuring proper Medicaid reimbursement for calls in which treatment is provided but the patient is not transported to a hospital was approved by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, according to bill sponsors Sens. Doug Mastriano (R-33), Michele Brooks (R-50) and Lisa Baker (R-20).
Senate Bill 1147 would implement a set Medicaid reimbursement rate for treat, no transport calls, bringing financial clarity and predictability to EMS agencies. Current law requires reimbursement based on “reasonable costs,” resulting in varied payment amounts which are frequently less than the average cost for the service.
“EMS professionals put their safety on the line to care for us during the worst moments of our lives, yet their agencies are facing increasingly serious financial challenges,” Mastriano said. “This bill is a commonsense step to strengthen public safety and sends a clear message that we support our first responders.”
“Our EMS providers are always a phone call away when we need them in our most difficult times,” said Brooks. “This legislation underscores the value of their presence in our communities and ensures they are reimbursed for the critical work they do, preserving local residents’ access to lifesaving care.”
“As we consider ways to strengthen EMS, ‘Treat, No Transport’ accomplishes the important goal of maintaining availability of the on-call ambulance,” Baker said. “By spending time in their town with a patient needing medical attention for a non-life-threatening injury or condition, a faster response time is more likely when the next 911 call arrives.”
The bill now advances to the full Senate for further consideration.
MASTRIANO CONTACT: Nathan Silcox
BROOKS CONTACT: Adam Gingrich
BAKER CONTACT: Jennifer Wilson