01 — The Text
What.
- Medicare would pay for ground ambulance services even when patients aren't transported to hospitals.
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation runs a 5-year test of the new payment model.
- Payment rates for no-transport calls match rates for actual transports under the model.
- Government Accountability Office must study how the change affects Medicare beneficiary access and outcomes.
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- Rural and underserved Medicare patients may get faster emergency response if ambulances are dispatched more freely without transport penalty.
- Ambulance services gain guaranteed payment for response calls, reducing financial risk of dispatching to patients who refuse or don't need transport.
- Medicare spending increases slightly for calls without transport, shifting costs toward preventive emergency response rather than transport-only reimbursement.
- Elderly and disabled beneficiaries could see improved 911 service equity across high-cost urban and remote areas.
03 — The Path
Now what?
- Bill introduced April 1, referred to two committees (Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means). Awaiting committee review—typical timeline is weeks to months.
- Broad bipartisan support: 47 cosponsors suggest potential for movement, though committees must negotiate payment rates and scope details.
- Follow committee hearing schedules on House.gov or contact your representative to signal support or concerns about emergency service funding.
Legislative History
Actions.
- Apr 1, 2025 — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Apr 1, 2025 — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Apr 1, 2025 — Introduced in House
- Apr 1, 2025 — Introduced in House