Emergency Medical Services Reimbursement for On-Scene and Support Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7277
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-30: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-24T09:05:32Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation, titled the "Emergency Medical Services Reimbursement for On-Scene and Support Act" (H.R. 7277), aims to expand Medicare coverage to include certain ambulance services that do not involve transporting the patient. This would allow reimbursement for on-scene emergency medical care provided by ambulance personnel, even if the patient is not transported to a hospital.
Key Provisions
- Amendment to Medicare Coverage: The bill modifies Section 1861(s)(7) of the Social Security Act, which defines covered ambulance services under Medicare Part B.
- Inclusion of Non-Transport Services: Starting January 1, 2026, Medicare will cover ambulance services (such as assessment, stabilization, or treatment at the scene) provided by qualified ambulance suppliers or providers, regardless of whether transportation occurs.
- Reimbursement Standard: Coverage applies at a rate comparable to that for transportation services, ensuring fair payment for the work done on-site.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Under current law, Medicare generally reimburses ambulance services only if they include transportation to a medical facility (e.g., hospital or doctor's office). This bill removes that transportation requirement for eligible on-scene services, broadening the definition of covered "ambulance services" while maintaining the existing framework for transport-related care.
- The change is prospective, applying only to services furnished on or after January 1, 2026, without retroactive effects.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Medicare beneficiaries, particularly those in rural or emergency situations, may gain better access to immediate on-scene medical care without needing transport, potentially improving health outcomes and reducing delays in treatment.
- On Government Agencies: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) would need to update billing and reimbursement processes, which could increase administrative workload and Medicare spending (exact costs not specified in the bill).
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses solely on domestic U.S. healthcare policy.
- Broader Effects: Ambulance providers could receive payment for time-intensive on-scene work that was previously uncompensated, potentially supporting the sustainability of emergency medical services.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Medicare Enrollees: Elderly and disabled individuals relying on Medicare for emergency care.
- Ambulance Service Providers and Suppliers: Emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and ambulance companies that deliver on-scene services.
- Government Entities: CMS for implementation and oversight; Congress and the Department of Health and Human Services for funding and policy adjustments.
- Healthcare System: Hospitals and emergency responders indirectly, through potentially reduced pressure on transport-only services.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The amendment aligns with Medicare's statutory authority to define covered services but may require CMS rulemaking to clarify implementation details, such as what qualifies as "on-scene" care. No challenges to enforceability are evident.
- Constitutional: No apparent issues, as it involves congressional spending power under Article I and does not infringe on individual rights or state authority.
- Political: The bill reflects bipartisan interest in supporting emergency services (introduced by a group of House Democrats) and could spark debates on Medicare's fiscal sustainability amid expanding coverage. Referral to key committees (Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means) indicates standard legislative scrutiny on health policy and budgeting.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Balint, Becca [D-VT-At Large]
Cosponsors (8)
Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12], Rep. McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10]
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-30: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-01-30: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-01-30: Introduced in House
- 2026-01-30: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Emergency Medical Services Reimbursement for On-Scene and Support Act — issued 2026-01-30 — PDF (2 pages)