Medicare would pay ambulances for on-scene care without transport

What does this do?

This bill would create a five-year pilot program requiring a federal agency to pay ground ambulance providers for treating Medicare patients on-scene during emergencies, even if the patient is never transported to a hospital. Payment rates would be set roughly in line with what providers would have earned for a transport. If telehealth is also provided during that on-scene visit, the treatment location would qualify under telehealth payment rules.

Who does it affect?

Medicare beneficiaries who call 911 for emergencies are the patients affected. Ground ambulance companies and providers who respond to those calls would receive the new payments.

Why does it matter?

Currently, Medicare generally only pays ambulance providers when they physically transport a patient to a medical facility, leaving on-scene-only care unpaid. The Government Accountability Office would be required to report to Congress within four years on how the pilot affected patient outcomes, access to emergency services, and costs compared to traditional emergency transportation.

Where does it stand?