Niagara Leader

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, representing New York's 24th district, has introduced the Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act. The legislation, co-sponsored by Congresswoman Terri Sewell of Alabama's 7th district and others, seeks to ensure rural and remote communities have access to essential emergency services.

The bill aims to provide adequate Medicare reimbursement for emergency service providers. This would help these providers hire and retain EMT staff and modernize their equipment to continue delivering lifesaving care.

"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. The Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act will help reduce these costs while ensuring that emergency care providers can continue delivering vital medical services to rural communities nationwide,” said Congresswoman Tenney.

Congresswoman Sewell emphasized the importance of this bill for vulnerable communities: “When medical emergencies happen, we should feel confident that our first responders have the resources they need to deliver life-saving care. Unfortunately, inadequate Medicare reimbursement rates are putting a strain on ambulance service providers in the most vulnerable communities."

Additional support for the legislation comes from Representatives Carol Miller (WV-1), Cliff Bentz (OR-2), Mike Carey (OH-15), Paul Tonko (NY-20), and Marie Gluesenkamp-Perez (WA-3). Congresswoman Miller noted the critical nature of timely quality care for her constituents in West Virginia who live far from hospitals.

“Our emergency responders are on the frontlines every day to provide our communities with lifesaving care,” stated Congressman Tonko. He highlighted the essential role of responders in rural and underserved regions where hospitals are distant.

Congressman Carey added that "Rural Americans shouldn’t have to pay a premium for ambulance services because of where they live." He underscored the importance of keeping costs low for patients while retaining EMT talent in Ohio's rural areas.