North Columbus News

Rep. Mike Carey of Ohio has announced his office is drafting legislation to enhance access to emergency medical services for seniors. The proposed Improving Access to Emergency Medical Services Act aims to allow seniors to receive medical care at home without the need for hospital transportation.

"Seniors should have the ability to receive ambulatory and emergency medical services at home for minor issues, without having to be transported to hospitals where they could potentially pick up dangerous infections," stated Rep. Carey.

The bill, which is still in the works, seeks to create a pilot program to test a treatment-in-place model for seniors on Medicare. This initiative is designed to not only improve access to emergency services for seniors but also alleviate emergency room backlogs.

If enacted, the legislation would ensure that first responders can administer treatment on-site when necessary, with proper reimbursement. Rep. Carey emphasized the importance of this approach in strengthening emergency services for senior citizens.

The congressman highlighted that a treatment-in-place model had been successfully implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering efficient care for seniors and reducing strain on emergency rooms. Unfortunately, these flexibilities were temporary and expired with the conclusion of the pilot program.

Estimates suggest that adopting a treatment-in-place model could result in significant cost savings for Medicare, potentially exceeding one billion dollars.

Rep. Carey has collaborated with various EMS stakeholders, including the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, the American Ambulance Association, and the International Association of Fire Fighters, to advance his policy proposal. In a recent Ways and Means hearing, he underscored the importance of ensuring access to emergency care for all individuals.

To learn more about the proposed legislation, a discussion draft can be accessed here.