Hinchey, Kelles, EMS, Fire Coalition Urge Governor to Sign EMS Reimbursement Bill

HUDSON – Senator Michelle Hinchey and Assemblymember Anna Kelles, joined by a broad coalition of EMS and fire leaders, call on Governor Kathy Hochul to sign legislation to expand Medicaid reimbursement for emergency medical services (EMS) providers. The bill, passed unanimously by the State Legislature in June, seeks to broaden the range of services that qualify for reimbursement, including on-scene treatment, telemedicine consultations, and transport to non-hospital facilities like urgent care centers and mental health clinics.

The legislation (S.8486C/A.9012C), sponsored by Hinchey and Kelles, is a critical component of the Rescue EMS Legislative Package. To ensure that EMS providers across New York benefit from the changes this year, it must be signed into law by September 30, 2024.

"Our bill will help by ensuring EMS are finally paid for providing care they're not currently reimbursed for, like treating patients at the scene of an injury or facilitating telemedicine," said Senator Hinchey. "We urge the Governor to sign it into law so it can have an immediate impact in supporting EMS providers and saving lives."

The bill has garnered widespread support from EMS, fire, and municipal leaders, including representatives from organizations such as the United New York Ambulance Network (UNYAN), Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY), and local EMS services including Catskill Ambulance and Hunter EMS.

Assemblymember Kelles emphasized the bill's urgency for rural areas, where hospitals may be hours away. "We must ensure EMS providers are reimbursed for providing treatment on-site and have the flexibility in transporting patients to maximize their availability for all emergencies in their service area," Keller said.

EMS leaders highlighted the strain on services due to insufficient reimbursement and the increasing demand for emergency medical care, especially in rural and medically underserved areas. The bill is a critical step toward sustaining EMS operations and enhancing patient care.

"EMS systems across the state are in critical condition," said Stephen J. Acquario, Executive Director of the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC). "This legislation will empower EMS professionals to provide patients the care they need without being financially penalized."

If Governor Hochul signs the bill before the October 1 deadline, it will take effect immediately. This would provide much-needed financial relief to EMS providers and ensure that New Yorkers have access to timely and appropriate emergency care.