Robinson and Ward Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Financial Stability of 911 EMS Providers During National EMS Week

HARRISBURG - Sens. Devlin Robinson (R-37) and Judy Ward (R-30) introduced legislation to establish fair and direct reimbursement rates for 911 emergency medical services providers across Pennsylvania, helping ensure lifesaving emergency care remains available in communities throughout the commonwealth. The introduction of the legislation occurred during National EMS Week, a celebration that began more than 50 years ago to recognize the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine's frontline.

"Our EMS professionals answer some of our worst, most frightening calls and bring life-saving skills, care and compassion to patients across this commonwealth every day," the senators said. "A week of recognition isn't enough - we must act to ensure they can continue to provide these necessary services for years to come."

Senate Bill 1342 would require insurers to provide fair and direct reimbursement for mandated 911 emergency medical services, regardless of whether the EMS provider is in-network. The proposal is a Senate companion measure to House Bill 1152 sponsored by Reps. Jill Cooper (R-55), Lisa Borowski (D-168), Arvind Venkat (D-30), and Jacob Banta (R-4).

"Our EMS providers are facing an ongoing financial crisis while continuing to answer every emergency call, every hour of every day," Robinson said. "These professionals do not have the option to decline service based on reimbursement rates or insurance status. This legislation recognizes the essential nature of emergency medical services and helps provide the financial stability needed to keep ambulances on the road and providers serving our communities."

"When an emergency happens, Pennsylvanians need to know they will be able to get fast and quality care, which is why our EMS workers provide medical services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year," Ward said. "The reliable financial reimbursements provided by this bill will ensure our EMS providers can not only keep their doors open but also focus on performing their mission of saving lives."

Pennsylvania lost nearly 400 EMS agencies between 2013 and 2017, and additional providers have since shuttered operations, placing increased strain on remaining emergency responders and leading to longer response times across the state. Rural counties have been particularly impacted as providers work to maintain coverage over large geographic areas with limited resources.

Under current law, EMS agencies are required to provide 24/7 emergency response coverage, but many providers continue to face financial hardship due to inadequate reimbursement from insurers. Senate Bill 1342 would require EMS agencies to be reimbursed directly by insurers within 45 days of services being provided at 350% of the current published rate for ambulance services. The legislation aims to create a more reliable funding structure and bring necessary financial stability to emergency services.

According to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, Pennsylvania's 911 centers process nearly 14.5 million requests for emergency services annually.

The bill now awaits consideration by the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee.