Sens. Devlin Robinson and Judy Ward introduced legislation on May 21 to establish fair and direct reimbursement rates for 911 emergency medical services providers in Pennsylvania. The announcement coincided with National EMS Week, which recognizes the work of frontline emergency medical professionals.
The proposed Senate Bill 1342 aims to address ongoing financial challenges faced by EMS agencies, ensuring that communities across the state continue to have access to lifesaving care. The bill seeks to require insurers to provide fair reimbursement for mandated emergency services, regardless of whether the provider is in-network.
“Our EMS professionals answer some of our worst, most frightening calls and bring life-saving skills, care and compassion to patients across this commonwealth every day,” Robinson and Ward said. “A week of recognition isn’t enough – we must act to ensure they can continue to provide these necessary services for years to come.”
Robinson said, “Our EMS providers are facing an ongoing financial crisis while continuing to answer every emergency call, every hour of every day. These professionals do not have the option to decline service based on reimbursement rates or insurance status. This legislation recognizes the essential nature of emergency medical services and helps provide the financial stability needed to keep ambulances on the road and providers serving our communities.” Ward added, “When an emergency happens, Pennsylvanians need to know they will be able to get fast and quality care, which is why our EMS workers provide medical services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The reliable financial reimbursements provided by this bill will ensure our EMS providers can not only keep their doors open but also focus on performing their mission of saving lives.”
According to Senate Bill 1342’s sponsors, nearly 400 EMS agencies closed between 2013 and 2017 in Pennsylvania; additional closures since then have strained remaining responders and led to longer response times—especially in rural areas where coverage requires more resources over larger geographic regions.
The legislation would require insurers reimburse ambulance services at a rate set at 350% above current published rates within forty-five days after service is provided. Under current law, agencies must offer round-the-clock coverage but often face inadequate insurer payments that threaten operations.
Pennsylvania’s 911 centers process nearly 14.5 million requests annually according to the official website. Robinson has supported initiatives for veterans, first responders—including those in healthcare—and law enforcement; he represents parts of Allegheny County while maintaining offices in Pittsburgh, Wexford, and Harrisburg; he also chairs the Senate Labor & Industry Committee.according to the official website.
The bill now awaits consideration by the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee.
