Jackson’s bill to fund ambulance services gets unanimous, bipartisan support in Committee

AUGUSTA — The Legislature’s Committee on Health and Human Services unanimously approved legislation from Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, on Monday. LD 915, “An Act To Provide Adequate Reimbursement under MaineCare for Ambulance and Neonatal Transport Services” would help keep ambulance and neonatal transport services operating in the state, especially in rural areas.

“All Mainers, regardless of where they live, should be able to call 9-1-1 and know that an ambulance will show up in an emergency. But in too many corners of this state, ambulance services are struggling to get by,” said President Jackson. “This bill will help keep ambulances running so they can afford to be there in our time of need. I’m glad that all committee members – Republican and Democrat – could sign off on this bill.”

The amended version of the bill would increase the reimbursement rate for ambulance services and neonatal transport for critically ill children. Similar legislation passed through the Legislature last year but was ultimately vetoed by Gov. LePage.

Increasing the reimbursement rate will stabilize ambulance and neonatal transport services for all Mainers. It will also draw down an additional $5.8 million in federal funds per year.

LD 915 will now move to the full legislature for additional votes.

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