Assemblyman Brian Maher (R,C-Walden) is urging the Legislature to reject proposed Medicaid reimbursement cuts that would further strain New York’s emergency medical services as the Assembly prepares its one-house budget resolution.

At a recent joint legislative budget hearing on health, testimony from the United New York Ambulance Network (UNYAN) highlighted the severe financial strain facing EMS providers and the dangerous consequences of eliminating Medicaid “crossover” payments for dual-eligible patients. These payments cover the remaining 20% of costs not reimbursed by Medicare and are critical to ensuring providers can continue responding to emergencies 24 hours a day.

“EMS providers are already operating at a loss on Medicaid transports, and this proposal would push many beyond the breaking point,” said Hurlburt. “Ambulances don’t get to choose their patients or their calls. They show up every time—and our budget should reflect that reality.”

As budget negotiations continue, Assemblyman Maher is calling for full restoration of Medicaid crossover payments and a budget that protects EMS providers, patients and communities across New York.

“EMS is a core public safety service, just like police and fire,” said Meghan Hurlburt. “If the state cuts reimbursement while expanding expectations and responsibilities, we risk undermining the very system New Yorkers rely on during their most critical moments.”

Assemblyman Brian Maher in 2020, during his time s Supervisor of the Town of Montgomery, helped establish an Ambulance Services district within the town, which helped provide dedicated ALS services within the greater Montgomery community.The Assemblyman has continued to be a champion for EMS while in the Assembly, advocating for more resources and less cuts during the budget process, and supporting local communities within his district that wish to enhance EMS services.During his first two terms in the Assembly, the towns of Goshen and Chester have created ambulance districts and increased services and response times thanks to Assemblyman Maher’s guidance and advocacy.