Southern West Virginia News

Today, a bipartisan group of U.S. representatives introduced the Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act. The bill, spearheaded by Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV), is co-sponsored by Representatives Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Cliff Bentz (R-OR), Mike Carey (R-OH), Paul Tonko (D-NY), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA). It aims to ensure that rural and remote communities maintain access to critical emergency services.

Congresswoman Miller highlighted the importance of the bill for her constituents in West Virginia, stating, “Many of my constituents in West Virginia live hours away from their nearest hospital, so it is critical that emergency ground ambulance providers can deliver quality care in a timely manner." She added that the bill would provide necessary Medicare reimbursement to help ambulance service providers continue offering life-saving treatment without financial strain.

Congresswoman Tenney also emphasized the significance of the legislation for rural areas: "Access to emergency services is critical in rural areas across the country, including NY-24, which spans 14 counties. However, lifesaving ambulance transports are often costly, placing a burden on patients and providers alike." She noted that the act would help reduce costs while ensuring continued delivery of vital medical services nationwide.

The proposed legislation seeks to address financial challenges faced by emergency service providers by providing adequate Medicare reimbursement. This support will assist them in hiring and retaining EMT staff and modernizing equipment necessary for delivering lifesaving care.