Dear Members,

Congressional Summer Recess is underway. Senate and House lawmakers are now in their home states through Labor Day. During their recess, please take the opportunity to urge your members of Congress to support legislation that improves our ability to care for our patients.

Consider visiting your congressional leaders at their district offices or inviting them to your EMS agency or on a ride-along. Download these updated Advocacy “Talking Points” to use in your discussions with congressional leaders and/or their staff.

Please be sure to mention H.R. 3236, the Ambulance Medicare Budget and Operations Act, introduced by House Representatives Nunes (R- CA) and Upton (R-MI).

On December 31st, the current extension of the Medicare add-on payments for ambulances is set to expire. H.R. 3236 would extend the 2 percent urban, 3 percent rural, and super rural bonus payments for five years. The impact for this extension nationally for five years is $611 million.

These add on payments will allow EMS practitioners to continue providing the quality and accessible patient care all of our communities deserve. Without these extenders, we will not be able to deliver the essential, life-saving services that we provide 24/7, every day.   

If you need help in scheduling a meeting with your Members of Congress, please contact the NAEMT Advocacy Coordinator in your state.

Your members of Congress do want to hear from you – their constituents. So, please take a few moments to reach out to your federal legislators this August.

Thank you for your support of the EMS profession.

Dennis Rowe, EMT-P
President, NAEMT