Medicare bill would fund on-scene ambulance care

What does this do?

This bill would create a five-year pilot program testing a new way for Medicare to pay ground ambulance providers. Under the pilot, ambulance crews could treat a patient at the scene after a 911 call and still receive payment, even if the patient is never transported to a hospital. Treatment could include remote medical guidance through video technology.

Who does it affect?

This primarily affects Medicare patients, generally people 65 and older or those with certain disabilities, and the ground ambulance providers who serve them. The Government Accountability Office would also be required to report to Congress on how the pilot performed.

Why does it matter?

Currently, Medicare generally only pays ambulance providers when they transport a patient, which can create pressure to take people to the hospital even when it may not be necessary. This pilot tests whether paying for on-scene care changes that dynamic, and a required report will assess the effects on patient outcomes and access to emergency services.

Where does it stand?