Co-sponsored Stec Bill to Increase Reimbursements to Local Ambulance Services Signed into Law

Legislation co-sponsored by Senator Dan Stec (R,C-Queensbury) to increase Medicaid reimbursements for local ambulance services has been signed into law by Governor Hochul. Senate bill S.8486C authorizes Medicaid reimbursement to emergency medical service agencies for providing emergency medical care to Medicaid enrollees being transferred or transported to care sites aside from hospitals, such as an urgent care clinic or mental health or physical rehabilitation facility.

 

Given the lengthy distances and costs rural EMS and ambulance teams services face in providing life-saving health care, this legislation is vital to ensuring our region’s healthcare practitioners can continue offering these essential services and that those in need of these services receive the care that best suits their needs.

 

“I’m pleased that the governor has signed this legislation to increase Medicaid reimbursements to our local ambulance services into law,” said Stec. “Between the costs and often remote locations they have to travel, our rural EMS providers often face an uphill battle in responding to an emergency and delivering life-saving care. On top of this, they’re delivering patients to locations other than a hospital and not receiving reimbursement for these services. Signing this bill into law will go a long way into improving our region’s healthcare, for both patients and caregivers alike.”