Buffalo Ledger

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan, the Ranking Member of the Senate’s Standing Committee on Health, has announced that a package of legislation aimed at ensuring equitable access to essential health care has been signed into law by Governor Hochul. The legislation, co-sponsored by Senator Gallivan, aims to safeguard public health and improve patient outcomes.

The first piece of legislation (S.8486-C/A.9102-C) mandates Medicaid reimbursement for ambulance services when treatment is administered in place or when transportation is provided to alternative health care settings instead of a hospital. Under current law, EMS agencies must transport Medicaid enrollees to a general hospital to receive Medicaid reimbursement.

“EMS providers deliver life-saving care in communities across New York State, but many of them face financial challenges because of outdated regulations and reimbursement rates,” Senator Gallivan said. “This new law will help strengthen emergency medical services by allowing personnel to treat patients in-place or transport them to the most appropriate facility while also ensuring they are adequately reimbursed for their services.”

The second measure (S.6226-A/A.5789-A) authorizes ground ambulance and advanced life support first response services to store and distribute blood and initiate and administer blood transfusions, similar to authorizations provided to air ambulance services.

“Authorizing first responders and EMS personnel to store blood and transfuse patients will save lives, especially in rural areas of the state where a hospital may be many miles away,” Senator Gallivan said. “I thank my colleagues in the Legislature for supporting this common-sense bill and I am grateful the Governor has signed it into law.”

The law takes effect immediately.

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