Bipartisan CARE Act would test letting Medicare pay EMS to treat patients on scene

WASHINGTON — A bipartisan bill introduced by Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) would allow EMS providers to be reimbursed for treating Medicare patients on scene instead of transporting them to the hospital.

The Comprehensive Alternative Response to Emergencies (CARE) Act directs the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to pilot a five-year “treat-in-place” model. The goal is to reduce unnecessary emergency room visits, strengthen local EMS response and ensure timely care for patients, according to a statement from Collins’ office.

Full article: Senators Collins, Welch push Medicare “treat-in-place” pilot to reimburse EMS, support strained agencies