Pelican State News

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) introduced the Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act, which would ensure that all communities, particularly those in rural and underserved areas, have access to quality emergency ambulance services no matter where they live. 

“Families in rural communities deserve to know emergency care is available,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This bill ensures emergency access to health care is available regardless of where they live.”

“When I heard that medical providers were unable to continue providing ambulance services for Nevadans, I moved quickly to provide stable funding and restore access for our rural communities. Now we need to extend these protections,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “My bipartisan legislation will expand these lifesaving medical services everywhere in Nevada, and I will always fight to protect Nevadans’ access to quality emergency care.”

“Whether an automobile accident, a fire, a health crisis, or another catastrophe, paramedics are there in those first critical minutes when courage, skill, and compassion are most needed,” said Senator Collins. “Our bipartisan bill would support these first responders, especially those in rural and underserved communities, by ensuring they are adequately reimbursed by Medicare for their services. As a senator representing one of the most rural states in the country, I will continue to support the brave men and women who work around the clock to protect our communities.”    

This legislation will help ambulance service providers hire and retain EMT staff, update their equipment, and continue providing lifesaving medical care across the country, especially in underserved areas. 

The Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act is supported by the American Ambulance Association, the National Rural Health Association, the Congressional Fire Services Institute, the National Volunteer Fire Council, the International Association of Fire Fighters, and the International Association of Fire Chiefs. 

Original source can be found here.