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Committee backs bill to let Medicaid and plans pay EMS for treatment without transport
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Summary
SB221 would allow EMS providers to be reimbursed when they provide on‑scene treatment and do not transport a patient; backers cited pilot programs and potential overall cost savings to Medicaid and emergency departments. The committee reported the bill favorable.
Senate Health and Welfare reported SB221 favorable after testimony from EMS providers and associations explaining that current payment structures typically reimburse only for transport, which incentivizes unnecessary emergency‑department trips. Sponsor Senator Boudreaux said the bill would allow Medicaid (and other payers under existing arrangements) to reimburse EMS when medically appropriate treatment is provided on the scene and transport is not required.
Witnesses pointed to federal pilot programs and state examples (Texas, Oregon, Kentucky, Missouri) as models that demonstrated the potential to reduce unnecessary emergency‑department utilization and overall system costs. Providers also described protocols, physician oversight and telehealth consult options to assure safety.
Committee members asked clarifying questions about pilot evidence, protocols and state Medicaid alignment. After reading numerous green‑card statements from EMS providers across the state in support, the committee moved SB221 favorable.
