DWC posts recognition of federal extension of “temporary add-on payments” to the Official Medical Fee Schedule (Ambulance Services) to conform to Medicare changes

NEWSLINE

The Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) has posted an adjustment to the ambulance section of the Official Medical Fee Schedule (OMFS) to conform to changes to the Medicare payment system as required by Labor Code section 5307.1. The effective date of the changes is January 1, 2025.

The change reflects the extension of the "super rural" bonus payments applicable to base rate for certain ground ambulance transports provided by the Full-Year Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025. These "temporary add-on payments" were extended through September 30, 2025. Those "temporary add-on payments" expired October 1, 2025. The Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026, currently under consideration by Congress, includes a further extension of the "temporary add-on payments." Should an additional extension be enacted, DWC will provide an update.

Further information and adjustments to the ambulance section of the OMFS can be found on the DWC OMFS Ambulance Fee Schedule webpage.