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Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act of 2023

3/14/2024, 1:25 PM

Summary of Bill S 1673

Bill 118 s 1673, also known as the Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act of 2023, aims to address issues related to the reimbursement rates for ground ambulance services. The bill seeks to ensure that Medicare adequately covers the costs of providing emergency medical transportation services by adjusting the reimbursement rates for ground ambulance providers.

One of the key provisions of the bill is the establishment of a cost reporting system for ground ambulance providers. This system would require providers to report their costs to Medicare in order to determine appropriate reimbursement rates. By accurately assessing the costs associated with providing ambulance services, Medicare can ensure that providers are adequately compensated for their services.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions to address the issue of rural access to ambulance services. It seeks to increase reimbursement rates for ground ambulance providers in rural areas, where the cost of providing services may be higher due to factors such as longer distances and lower call volumes. By increasing reimbursement rates in rural areas, the bill aims to ensure that all individuals have access to timely and quality emergency medical transportation services. Overall, the Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act of 2023 is designed to improve the reimbursement rates for ground ambulance providers, establish a cost reporting system, and address issues related to rural access to ambulance services. By ensuring that providers are adequately compensated for their services, the bill aims to maintain access to critical emergency medical transportation services for all individuals.

Congressional Summary of S 1673

Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act of 2023

This bill extends a specialized rate increase for Medicare payment of ground ambulance services in rural areas for an additional three years (until January 1, 2028) and provides for a higher rate increase for services furnished between January 1, 2025, and January 1, 2028.

Current Status of Bill S 1673

Bill S 1673 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since May 18, 2023. Bill S 1673 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on May 18, 2023.  Bill S 1673's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. as of May 18, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 1673

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
14
Democrat Cosponsors
6
Republican Cosponsors
6
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
2

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 1673

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 1673

Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act of 2023
Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act of 2023
A bill to amend title XVIII to protect patient access to ground ambulance services under the Medicare program.

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