New Legislation Expands Health Care Access For New Yorkers

A legislative package was signed by New York State Governor Kathy Hocul that will ensure equitable access to essential health care.

The Governor's office notes that this legislation reaffirms New York’s commitment to safeguarding public health and improving patient outcomes across communities.

My colleagues and I have been working diligently on a package of bills to #RescueEMS. Being paid to treat someone in place, or transport them to somewhere other than a hospital will help bring in much-needed revenue. And now allowing them to carry blood products will no doubt save countless lives. Our next priority will be to pass legislation that defines ambulance service as “essential” under State law. - Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo

The legislative package includes requiring Medicaid reimbursement for ambulance services when treatment in place is administered and/or when transportation is provided to alternative healthcare settings instead of a general hospital.

Also, the new legislation package authorizes ground ambulance and advanced life support first response services to store and distribute blood and initiate and administer blood transfusions, mirroring authorizations provided to air ambulance services.

Read More: Support Expansion Of The Mercy House Of The Southern Tier

My Administration is committed to addressing healthcare disparities in our State and ensuring all New Yorkers can access the care that they need and deserve. This legislation ensures essential treatment and transportation and allows New Yorkers to focus on their well-being during an emergency rather than worrying about the financial cost or availability of critical health care when they need it most. - New York State Governor Kathy Hochul

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar weighed in on the new legislative package news:

Thank you to Governor Hochul and Assemblymember Lupardo for continuing to support and improve access to critical health care services, especially for our EMS providers. This legislation is a major step forward in residents receiving the care they need in emergency situations. In line with this, Broome County is allocating $300,000 in the 2025 budget to further invest in and support our local EMS services by providing vehicles made solely for on-site care, easing the burden of transportation, and allowing EMS to focus on delivering immediate care when transportation to a hospital isn’t necessary. - Broome County Executive Jason Garnar

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