Gluesenkamp Perez Joins Bipartisan Effort to Support Access to Rural Ambulance Services

This week, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) joined a group of her bipartisan colleagues to introduce the Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act to ensure that rural and remote communities maintain access to critical emergency services, including Reps. Claudia Tenney (NY-24) and Terri Sewell (AL-07).

This legislation aims to provide adequate Medicare reimbursement for emergency service providers, helping them hire and retain EMT staff and modernize their equipment to continue delivering lifesaving care.

“Every day, responsive emergency medical services save lives in rural communities like mine, where hospitals can be a long ways away. For years, increased Medicare reimbursements have helped buttress these ambulance services and keep costs down for patients – yet they expired earlier this year,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “Your Zip Code shouldn’t be the difference between life and death when facing a medical emergency – so this bipartisan bill will extend vital Medicare ambulance reimbursements that help keep rural ambulance service afloat.”

“Access to emergency services is critical in rural areas across the country, including NY-24, which spans 14 counties. However, lifesaving ambulance transports are often costly, placing a burden on patients and providers alike,” said Rep. Tenney. “The Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act will help reduce these costs while ensuring that emergency care providers can continue delivering vital medical services to rural communities nationwide.”

“When medical emergencies happen, we should feel confident that our first responders have the resources they need to deliver life-saving care,” said Rep. Sewell. “Unfortunately, inadequate Medicare reimbursement rates are putting a strain on ambulance service providers in the most vulnerable communities. The problem is particularly severe for rural communities like the ones I represent. This bill would adjust Medicare reimbursement practices so that vital ambulance services are available and accessible to all Americans.” 

“Many of my constituents in West Virginia live hours away from their nearest hospital, so it is critical that emergency ground ambulance providers can deliver quality care in a timely manner. In efforts to support our communities’ medical responders, I am joining my colleagues in introducing the bipartisan Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act,” said Rep. Miller. This bill will give ambulance service providers the appropriate Medicare reimbursement needed for them to continue providing adequate life-saving treatment to vulnerable patients without worrying about high costs.” 

“Our emergency responders are on the frontlines every day to provide our communities with lifesaving care,” said Rep. Tonko. “Their work is even more essential for our nation’s rural and underserved regions, where hospitals and access to medical care are many miles away. Our legislation supports ambulance services and helps ensure that Americans are delivered affordable care, regardless of where they live.”

“Rural Americans shouldn’t have to pay a premium for ambulance services because of where they live. EMTs provide essential, life-saving care that can be expensive in rural areas,” said Rep. Carey. “This bill provides an avenue to keep costs low for patients and retain EMT talent so they can continue to serve rural communities in Ohio.”

This week, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez introduced the bipartisan PARA-EMT Act to tackle EMS staffing shortages and streamline veteran hiring.

Last year, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez was recognized by the American Ambulance Association (AAA) as a 2024 Legislator of the Year for her commitment to addressing critical workforce shortages facing emergency medical services. Last year, the Congresswoman also secured $963,000 for Skamania County to upgrade EMS communications systems.

Reps. Carol Miller (WV-01), Cliff Bentz (OR-02), Mike Carey (OH-15), and Paul Tonko (NY-20) are also original cosponsors of this legislation.