Manchin, Collins Announce Growing Support for Bipartisan Improving Access to Emergency Medical Services Act
Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (I-WV) and Susan Collins (R-ME) announced several additional organizations are supporting their Improving Access to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Act. This bipartisan legislation would create a pilot program to allow Medicare to reimburse for treat-in-place EMS services for certain medical issues, which would expand access to these critical health services, especially in rural communities, while reducing unnecessary emergency room visits and expenses.
“I’m proud support is growing for our bipartisan Improving Access to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Act, which will bolster the treat-in-place model in West Virginia, Maine and throughout the country,” Senator Manchin. “This model is essential for ensuring Americans, especially in rural communities, can receive the care they need without unnecessary and expensive emergency room visits. I will continue working to support this important effort that cuts costs and bolsters access to quality, affordable health services for our constituents.”
“It is encouraging to see increased support for this legislation, as having access to high-quality emergency medical services is essential for individuals in rural communities across Maine and the nation,” said Senator Collins. “Our bipartisan bill would expand the treat-in-place model for EMS services, reducing unnecessary emergency room visits, lowering costs, and easing the strain on our state’s hospital and EMS workforces.”
“NAEMT applauds Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV) and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) for introducing S. 5400, Improving Access to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Act. This bipartisan legislation would create a pilot program allowing Medicare to reimburse treat-in-place EMS services for certain medical issues, which would expand access to these critical services, especially in rural communities, and reduce unnecessary emergency room visits and expenses. Sen. Manchin’s legacy to improve EMS reimbursement in his home state of West Virginia and the nation is commendable. Sen. Collins has been a vigorous advocate for EMS, spearheading the SIREN grant program and supporting many other issues. This Senate bill is a companion to H.R 8977 led by Representatives Mike Carey (R-OH), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Carol Miller (R-WV), and Debbie Dingell (D-MI) in the House. NAEMT looks forward to continuing our work to pass TIP in the new Congress,” said Susan Bailey, MSEM, NRP, President of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT).
“The West Virginia Hospital Association appreciates Senator Manchin’s leadership in introducing legislation to establish an EMS Treat in Place option for Medicare patients,” said Jim Kaufman, President and CEO of the West Virginia Hospital Association. “This forward-thinking initiative represents a crucial step toward modernizing our emergency medical services and improving patient care. By allowing EMS providers to treat Medicare beneficiaries in their homes when appropriate, rather than requiring transport to an emergency department, this legislation will help reduce unnecessary emergency department visits, improve patient comfort and satisfaction, and decrease the strain on hospital emergency departments. This legislation also recognizes the evolving role of EMS in health care, and it will enable more efficient use of resources benefitting all patients.”
“The West Virginia EMS Coalition is grateful for the introduction of the Improving Access to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Act by Senators Manchin and Collins. The legislation, along with the companion bill sponsored by Congresswoman Miller, is critical to ensuring patients receive care in the most appropriate and cost-effective location possible,” said Chris Hall, Executive Director of the West Virginia EMS Coalition. “West Virginia has established itself as a national leader in developing the treat-in-place model for EMS. Passage of this bill would expand access for seniors on Medicare to these services, helping to reducing the need for ambulance transportation and improving the availability of EMS to respond to community emergencies.”
The bill would allow seniors on Medicare to receive at-home emergency medical services to treat minor medical incidents. In West Virginia, patients on state insurance can receive care from EMS providers for diabetes evaluation, asthma/COPD evaluation, and seizure evaluation at the scene of the call without having to be transported to the hospital. In addition to the services provided by EMS, part of the protocol would be to advise the patient to follow-up with their primary care provider to ensure continuity of care.
Representatives Mike Carey (R-OH), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Carol Miller (R-WV) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI) introduced companion legislation in the House, where it has the support of the National Rural Health Association, International Association of Fire Chiefs, International Association of Firefighters, American Ambulance Association, Congressional Fire Service Institute, National Association of Towns and Townships and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians.
Last year, Senator Manchin led the West Virginia delegation in urging the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator to consider the treat-in-place model to address the workforce challenges faced by West Virginia hospitals and EMS providers.
The full text of the bill is available here.
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