Senator Walczyk Calls on Governor To Sign "Direct Pay" Bill

Currently in New York State, EMS entities are struggling to make ends meet. The cost of operation continues to rise with inflation, raising wages, and other factors. On top of that, there is currently a loophole in the public health law that makes it too easy for them to be left unpaid for their service. The New York State Assembly and Senate did their part to fix that issue, Senator Walczyk is calling on the Governor to do hers.

As it stands, insurance companies are not required to pay ambulance service charges directly to the entity providing the service. Insurance companies can pay directly to the patient and leave the entity providing the EMS service out of the process. It is the responsibility of the patient to send the check to the EMS entity, however, that doesn’t always happen. Furthermore, there are even people abusing this system by calling an ambulance for a free ride to the hospital and waiting for their check in the mail. It’s a problem that is solved by signing S1466 into law.

“When you work hard and get the job done, you deserve to be paid for your services,” said Walczyk. “For too long we have sat idly by while EMS companies selflessly deliver on their promise to provide crucial care in our time of need, and not receive the payment at the end of the day. Since we passed this bill in the New York State Legislature, the Governor can solve this problem with a stroke of her pen, she needs to do so immediately.”

Senator Mark Walczyk represents the 49th Senate District, which includes the entire counties of Jefferson, Lewis, Hamilton and Fulton. As well as parts of Oswego, St. Lawrence, and Herkimer counties. Sign up for exclusive updates from the Senator via his weekly newsletter by clicking HERE or by emailing walczyk@nysenate.gov.