Ambulance-service providers want Nov. Kathy Hochul to sign a bill that would “change the pay model” so that they’re paid directly by health insurers. Those pushing for passage refer to it as the “direct pay” legislation, per an Oct. 12 news release about the efforts from supporters. Ambulance-service providers and a bipartisan coalition of state […]
Ambulance-service providers want Nov. Kathy Hochul to sign a bill that would “change the pay model” so that they’re paid directly by health insurers.
Those pushing for passage refer to it as the “direct pay” legislation, per an Oct. 12 news release about the efforts from supporters.
Ambulance-service providers and a bipartisan coalition of state legislators from across New York held Oct. 12 press conferences in their respective districts, urging the Democratic governor to sign the legislation.
The press conferences were held in Syracuse at American Medical Response of CNY at 101 Richmond Ave.; in Utica at the State Office Building at 207 Genesee St.; and in Binghamton at the Broome County Emergency Services at 153 Lt. VanWinkle Drive.
The bill passed both the New York Senate and state Assembly unanimously this past legislative session. It will ensure ambulance-service providers receive the resources needed to continue doing their jobs “safely and effectively” for patients across New York, supporters say.
As of press time on Oct. 25, Hochul’s office hadn’t announced any signing of this bill.
“No longer will ambulance providers have to wonder if they will be paid for the services they are mandated to provide, nor will New Yorkers be held accountable for paying for out-of-network emergency medical services,” Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli (D–Syracuse), a bill sponsor, said in a news release. “This legislation will strengthen the Ambulance/EMS system and provide relief to patients during some of the most stressful situations. I am proud that my colleagues and I were able to end the legislative session with this measure approved. Now we strongly urge Governor Kathy Hochul to sign it into law.”
Jeffrey Call, chairperson of the United New York Ambulance Network, was among those requesting the governor’s signature.
“On behalf of the United New York Ambulance Network (UNYAN) and our over 40 members who provide vital ambulance services for the entire state, I ask Governor Kathy Hochul to sign this crucial legislation so that it becomes law. It will provide for a more efficient system in delivering the reimbursement to the providers who are entitled to it, strengthening the EMS system and ensuring better healthcare for all New Yorkers,” Call said.
Assemblymember Marianne Buttenschon (D–Marcy) said the bill guarantees emergency medical services agencies are compensated for the essential service they are providing.
“Our ambulance service providers are there for us when we dial 911 and play a vital role in public health and safety across the Mohawk Valley. We must prioritize critical health care service providers and mandate that those that receive those services pay for them. This bill requires direct reimbursement from the insurance companies to the EMS providers,” Buttenschon said in the release.
Buttenschon hosted the press conference in Utica and was joined by State Senator Joe Griffo (R–Rome), Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente (R), and Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri (D), as well as representatives from local emergency medical services and ambulance-service providers.