WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new bill has been introduced in the US House of Representatives that aims to protect access to ground ambulance medical services for all Americans. The Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act of 2023 has been introduced by Representatives Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Earl “Buddy” Carter (R-GA), and Paul Tonko (D-NY).
The bill is designed to help ambulance service providers continue delivering quality healthcare services and lifesaving medical assistance. It is also aimed at ensuring that Americans, particularly those in rural and underserved communities, can access ground ambulance transportation and that their providers can rely on consistent reimbursement from Medicare.
Representative Wenstrup said, “When seconds are the difference between life and death, first responders arrive at the scene to provide life-saving care. This bill delivers key reforms so that Americans can access ground ambulance transportation, and their providers can rely on consistent reimbursement from Medicare. This bill would help keep ambulance costs affordable.”
Representative Sewell added, “This bill addresses the critical need for ground ambulances in our most vulnerable communities, and I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bill with bipartisan support.”
Representative Carter said, “When you’re in an emergency, timely access to an ambulance can mean the difference between life and death. With this bill, we will ensure that everyone, including those in remote or rural areas, has access to this life-saving care and that those who provide it receive proper Medicare reimbursement.”
Representative Tonko concluded, “Our emergency responders work every day on the frontlines to provide lifesaving care to our communities. This legislation addresses gaps in access to ambulance services and ensures that Americans are delivered affordable care, no matter where they live.”
