Manchin, Collins Introduce Bipartisan Improving Access to Emergency Medical Services Act

Manchin, Collins Introduce Bipartisan Improving Access to Emergency Medical Services Act

Washington, DC - This week, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (I-WV) and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced the Improving Access to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Act. This bipartisan legislation would create a pilot program to allow Medicare to reimburse for treat-in-place EMS services for certain medical issues, which would expand access to these critical health services, especially in rural communities, while reducing unnecessary emergency room visits and expenses.

"I'm proud to introduce the bipartisan Improving Access to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Act with Senator Collins to advance the treat-in-place model in West Virginia, Maine and throughout the country," Senator Manchin. "This model is essential for ensuring Americans, especially in rural communities, can receive the care they need without unnecessary and expensive emergency room visits. I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this important effort that cuts costs and bolsters access to quality, affordable health services for our constituents."

"Having access to high-quality emergency medical services is essential for individuals in rural communities across Maine and the nation," said Senator Collins. "This bipartisan bill would expand the treat-in-place model for EMS services, reducing unnecessary emergency room visits, lowering costs, and easing the strain on our state's hospital and EMS workforces."

The bill would allow seniors on Medicare to receive at-home emergency medical services to treat minor medical incidents. In West Virginia, patients on state insurance can receive care from EMS providers for diabetes evaluation, asthma/COPD evaluation, and seizure evaluation at the scene of the call without having to transport patients to the hospital. In addition to the services provided by EMS, part of the protocol would be to advise the patient to follow-up with their primary care provider to ensure continuity of care.

Representatives Mike Carey (R-OH), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Carol Miller (R-WV) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI) introduced companion legislation in the House, where it has the support of the National Rural Health Association, International Association of Fire Chiefs, International Association of Firefighters, American Ambulance Association, Congressional Fire Service Institute, National Association of Towns and Townships and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians.

Last year, Senator Manchin led the West Virginia delegation in urging the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator to consider the treat-in-place model to address the workforce challenges faced by West Virginia hospitals and EMS providers.

The full text of the bill is available here.