NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A9353
SPONSOR: Smullen TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the social services law, in relation to rural ambulance
support
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
AN ACT to amend the social services law, in relation to increasing the
Medicaid reimbursement rates for rural ambulance services.
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section l.Adds a new subdivision 7 to section 365-h of social services
law allowing the commissioner of health, pursuant to federal partic-
ipation, to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for rural ambulance
services. Requires up to 10 million dollars to be made available for
such purposes:
Section 2. Adds a new subdivision 4 to section 365-h of social services
law allowing the commissioner of health, pursuant to federal partic-
ipation, to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for rural, ambulance
services. Requires up to 10 million dollars to be made available for
such purposes.
Section 3. Sets the effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
Throughout New York State, rural ambulance providers face increased .
challenges when compared to their suburban and urban counterparts due to
operating in areas with lower population density, rural ambulances.
These challenges include longer travel and response times, limited
access to nearby healthcare facilities, and staffing challenges associ-
ated with a smaller pool of professionals. All these challenges lead to
higher operational costs for rural ambulance services as they are
required to commit more resources per call, which results in an
increased financial burden. Increasing reimbursement rates for rural
ambulance services that are experiencing these issues would alleviate
operational difficulties, improve recruitment and retention of staff,
and ensure access to services for rural New Yorkers.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
None.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
This bill requires that up to $10 million be made available for
increased reimbursement rates for rural ambulances.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect October 1, 2024
