Medicare bill would fund on-scene ambulance care
In committeeS. 3145Latest action
Sponsor: Susan M. Collins · Senator · ME
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: CARE Act of 2025
119th Congress
Topics: Health care
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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Medicare could pay ambulance crews for treating patients on the scene even when no hospital trip is needed, under a 5-year pilot program.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
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 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.
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Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedNov 6, 2025
- Senate committeeYou are here · Nov 6, 2025
- Senate vote
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S7964)