Bill > LD1530

This bill addresses improving the sustainability of emergency medical services (EMS) in Maine by expanding reimbursement options for ambulance and nontransporting emergency medical services. The legislation requires insurance carriers to reimburse EMS providers for on-scene medical care, even when a patient is not transported to a medical facility, including administering overdose-reversing medications like naloxone. The bill establishes specific reimbursement rates for both in-network and out-of-network providers, with rates set at a percentage of Medicare rates (200% for in-network and 180% for out-of-network providers), and provides additional compensation for providers in rural areas. For providers whose current charges are below 200% of the Medicare rate, the bill limits annual charge increases to 5%. The legislation also prevents insurance carriers from requiring prior authorization for ground ambulance transports and clarifies that on-scene medical treatment is reimbursable, regardless of whether a patient is ultimately transported. Importantly, the bill includes community paramedicine services and defines "nontransporting emergency medical service" to ensure comprehensive coverage for emergency medical care providers.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1530&snum=132