Sen. Curry introduces bill to support non-transporting EMS services and community paramedicine

AUGUSTA — On Tuesday, April 22, Sen. Chip Curry, D-Belfast, presented legislation to strengthen Maine’s emergency medical service (EMS) system by ensuring fair reimbursement for both non-transporting EMS services and community paramedicine programs. LD 1530, “An Act to Improve the Sustainability of Emergency Medical Services in Maine,” was the subject of a public hearing before the Joint Standing Committee on Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services.

“Good health care meets people where they are — in our homes, in our communities, in our moment of need,” said Sen. Curry. “Whether EMS providers deliver care at the scene or prevent emergencies through community paramedicine, their work deserves recognition and reimbursement. LD 1530 ensures Maine’s EMS providers are supported in all the ways they protect our communities.”

Currently, ambulance services can generally be reimbursed by private insurers for treating a patient on scene without transport. However, non-transporting EMS units — services that provide emergency medical care without operating an ambulance — are often ineligible for payment. LD 1530 would close this gap and require reimbursement for medical services provided by non-transporting EMS providers.

The bill also expands support for community paramedicine programs, which are increasingly critical in rural and underserved areas. These programs focus on proactive, in-home health care: performing safety checks, supporting medication management, preventing emergencies and connecting patients to essential services. A recent Press Herald article highlighted the urgent challenges facing community paramedicine after a federal grant freeze jeopardized funding for programs across the state.

LD 1530 addresses a key concern of the Blue Ribbon Commission on EMS, which spent the months before the 131st Legislature studying the systemic challenges facing Maine’s emergency medical system. The Commission found that Maine faces a severe EMS funding shortfall — estimated between $70 million and $90 million annually — partly because reimbursement models have not kept pace with how modern emergency medicine is delivered.

LD 1530 awaits further action in committee.

Sen. Curry represents District 11, which includes all of Waldo County.

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