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Council backs state bill to reimburse community paramedic programs after local MIH presentation
Summary
The council voted 5–0 to support House Bill H7485, which would establish reimbursement for community paramedic/mobile integrated health programs. Fire and EMS leaders described a multi-town MIH program that has made in‑home visits and reduced 911 use and hospital readmissions.
The Naragansett Town Council voted to support state legislation (House Bill H7485) that would create reimbursement pathways for community paramedic or mobile integrated health (MIH) programs. The council’s vote was unanimous.
Fire Chief Pardington and Captain Kevin McHenry described the South County MIH collaborative (Naragansett, South Kingstown and Charlestown), which launched after state grant funding. They reported more than 400 MIH visits in Naragansett since April 2024, including in‑home fall-risk assessments, medication reviews, vaccination clinics, and coordination of transportation and social services. The presenters said MIH has reduced repeat 911 calls and hospital readmissions for participating residents and provides a preventive, in‑home alternative to ambulance transport.
Chief Pardington and Captain McHenry urged council support for H7485 to help ensure Medicaid, Medicare and private payers reimburse field-based care and to sustain MIH beyond initial grant funding. Council members praised the local program and voted 5–0 in favor of a resolution backing the bill.
Why it matters: MIH programs can reduce emergency-system strain and keep medically fragile residents safely at home. State reimbursement would make local programs more sustainable and could expand access to preventive and follow-up care.
Next steps: The council’s resolution will be transmitted to state lawmakers supporting H7485; local EMS leaders reported upcoming meetings with private insurers and legislative sponsors to refine reimbursement models.
