Our 911 EMS providers are in a crisis. Across the Commonwealth, they are struggling financially. Many are closing their doors.

EMS providers are mandated to provide local municipalities with 24/7/365 emergency medical services. Unlike other medical providers, EMS providers cannot choose to respond to a call based on the person’s insurance coverage or reimbursement rate; they must respond to every 911 call.

Because state law requires EMS providers to respond to any and all calls, we believe it is reasonable for them to be provided with the financial resources necessary to deliver life-saving services. They are required to be positioned at the ready to respond whether a call comes in or not.

In the near future, we plan to introduce legislation that would establish a fair and direct reimbursement rate for mandated 911 emergency medical services provided by EMS providers from insurers regardless of whether the EMS provider is in the insurance network or not.

As state legislators, we need to ensure the members of our community are provided with emergency medical services in times of need. This bill will provide reliable financial reimbursement so local EMS providers can focus on performing their mission of saving lives.

Please join us in co-sponsoring this legislation.
 

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1272: P.L.682, No.284