The Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee advanced legislation sponsored by Senators Troy Singleton and Joe Vitale that would increase the minimum Medicaid reimbursement rate to $300 for basic life support emergency ambulance transportation services.
“EMT squads across New Jersey are facing severe financial constraints amid rising costs, a shortage of certified EMTs, and flat reimbursement rates,” said Senator Singleton (D-Burlington). “With a higher reimbursement, some of the financial pressure faced by emergency services will be lessened, thus allowing them to continue their critical mission of saving lives and serving their communities.”
The bill, S-1423, would represent an increase of $242 from the state’s existing reimbursement rate of $58. In addition, the bill would provide for an additional $8.94 in reimbursement for each loaded mile traveled. Currently, New Jersey has the lowest Medicaid reimbursement rate for these services in the region, with other state’s ranging from $65.27 in Delaware to $293.90 in Connecticut.
“Basic life support emergency services provide integral, fast medical service and transportation for people with urgent and, often life-threatening, medical emergencies,” said Senator Vitale (D-Middlesex), Chair of the Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee. “This legislation will give them the financial support they need to continue their operations, and most importantly, continue saving lives.”
The bill was advanced in a unanimous vote.