“From childhood, we are taught to call 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency. We assume someone will be there to help no matter what,” said Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter), a former EMT. “But as ambulance companies – and emergency services of all types – struggle with a lack of human and financial resources, we can no longer take it for granted. It’s time we answer the call to save our ambulance services.”
The rally focused on two initiatives that will increase reimbursements to ambulance companies for the services they provide. One, sponsored by Causer, seeks to increase the Medicaid reimbursement rate for Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advance Life Support (ALS) services for the first time since 2004. Specifically, House Bill 699 would increase the reimbursement rate for BLS from $120 to not less than $180 and for ALS from $200 to not less than $300.
The other initiative would require reimbursement for services rendered by an ambulance service, even if no transport takes place.
