Bipartisan RESCUE Act Targets Medicare Ambulance Reimbursement Gap

Medicare’s current payment model for emergency services relies on formulas established in the 1990s, a system that providers argue has failed to keep pace with modern medical standards and rising operational expenses. The proposed legislation aims to transition these payments toward a cost-based structure, similar to the reimbursement frameworks used for other healthcare sectors. Proponents suggest this shift is vital for the financial sustainability of EMS agencies, particularly in rural and underserved regions where funding shortfalls frequently threaten the continuity of emergency response.

Industry leaders, including the Emergency Ambulance Operators Alliance, have thrown their support behind the bill. Nick Loporcaro, CEO of Global Medical Response, noted that the current reimbursement gap hinders the ability of providers to maintain the necessary staffing, equipment, and training required for immediate emergency readiness. Similarly, Ben Clayton of Life Flight Network highlighted that for patients in remote areas, the disparity between operating costs and Medicare rates creates a direct risk to the availability of lifesaving air transport. The legislation, identified as HR 9970, now moves to Congress, where advocates hope for swift passage to stabilize the nation's emergency infrastructure.