Reps intro at-home emergency medical services bill 

KINGSTON, N.Y. - U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan, D-N.Y., has introduced a bill that would allow Medicare beneficiaries to receive at-home emergency medical services to treat minor medical incidents and ensure that paramedical and emergency responders receive proper compensation for care rendered. 

Ryan says the “Improving Access to Emergency Medical Services Seniors Act” would reduce the cost of emergency health care by implementing a “treatment-in-place model” that ends a requirement that Medicare beneficiaries be transported to emergency health care facilities for care providers to receive Medicare reimbursement, even for care that could be rendered onsite. 

“Our grandparents, neighbors and friends are safer and healthier because of the dedicated care paramedics and EMTs provide to our community,” Ryan said. “They deserve to be compensated – no matter where they administer care. That’s why I’m proud to co-lead the Improving Access to Emergency Medical Services Act to ensure that our highly trained first responders are fully supported in continuing to save lives and serve our seniors. I will keep fighting for the resources that our first responders need and deserve.” 

Reps. Mike Carey, R-Ohio, Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, Carol Miller, R-West Va., and Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., joined Ryan in introducing the bill. 

The bill has received support from 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. 

The full text of the bill is available here.