Senators Collins, Manchin Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Expand Treat-in-Place Emergency Medical Services

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, and Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV) introduced the Improving Access to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Act. This bipartisan legislation would create a pilot program to allow Medicare to reimburse for treat-in-place EMS services for certain medical issues, which would expand access to these critical health services, especially in rural communities, while reducing unnecessary emergency room visits and expenses.

“Having access to high-quality emergency medical services is essential for individuals in rural communities across Maine and the nation,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan bill would expand the treat-in-place model for EMS services, reducing unnecessary emergency room visits, lowering costs, and easing the strain on our state’s hospital and EMS workforces.”

“I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan Improving Access to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Act with Senator Collins to advance the treat-in-place model in West Virginia, Maine and throughout the country,” said Senator Manchin. “This model is essential for ensuring Americans, especially in rural communities, can receive the care they need without unnecessary and expensive emergency room visits. I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this important effort that cuts costs and bolsters access to quality, affordable health services for our constituents.”

“The Maine Ambulance Association believes that this legislation will directly address the funding gap for non-transport calls, helping to ensure that EMS systems remain viable and able to meet the growing demands of our communities,” said Robert “Butch” Russell, Executive Director of the Maine Ambulance Association. “We applaud the leadership of Senators Collins and Manchin in addressing this critical issue and strongly urge the swift passage of this legislation. The Maine Ambulance Association stands ready to support its implementation and is committed to working with policymakers to strengthen emergency medical services nationwide.”

“Implementation of the Improving Access to Emergency Medical Service Act will be a significant step forward in improving the resiliency and stability of EMS response and treatment across the State,” said Thomas Higgins, President of the Maine Fire Chiefs Association. “On-scene care is a viable option for our patients in many instances and should not result in additional burden. This legislation will provide direct financial support to our communities and the services we provide. We acknowledge and greatly appreciate Senator Collins’ original sponsorship of this critical legislation.”

The bill would allow seniors on Medicare to receive at-home emergency medical services to treat minor medical incidents. In addition to the services provided by EMS, part of the protocol would be to advise the patient to follow-up with their primary care provider to ensure continuity of care.

U.S. Representatives Mike Carey (R-OH-15), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX-35), Carol Miller (R-WV-01), and Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) introduced companion legislation in the House, where it has the support of the National Rural Health Association, International Association of Fire Chiefs, International Association of Firefighters, American Ambulance Association, Congressional Fire Service Institute, National Association of Towns and Townships and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians.

The complete text of the bill can be read here.

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