Nevada Ambulance Association advocates for Senate Bill 424 to boost Medicaid reimbursements
May 26, 2025 | 2025 Legislature NV, Nevada
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The Nevada Assembly Committee on Health and Human Services convened on May 26, 2025, to discuss critical legislation aimed at improving emergency medical services (EMS) funding and addressing healthcare challenges faced by providers. A key focus of the meeting was Senate Bill 424, which proposes a self-assessment mechanism for ambulance providers to enhance Medicaid reimbursement rates.
Brian McAnallen, Vice President of the Nevada Ambulance Association, emphasized the urgency of the bill, noting that the current reimbursement rates are insufficient to sustain operations. The proposed assessment of approximately $20 per transport would create a fund managed by Medicaid, allowing the state to draw down federal matching funds. This could potentially bring in two federal dollars for every state dollar, significantly bolstering financial support for EMS providers without increasing taxes or cutting other services.
Supporters of the bill, including representatives from various ambulance services, highlighted the pressing need for improved funding amid rising operational costs. Glenn Simpson, Senior Director for Community Ambulance, stated that the bill would help ensure timely access to life-saving care for Nevada communities, particularly as many providers cover large areas and respond to numerous emergency calls daily.
The committee also addressed concerns regarding the potential cancellation of federal funding for the program. Assembly members sought clarification on whether the state would be liable if federal support were withdrawn. Officials confirmed that if the federal program were to cease, the self-assessment would also stop, protecting the state from financial liability.
In addition to Senate Bill 424, the committee reviewed several other measures, including those related to graduate medical education, public health, and services for individuals experiencing homelessness. All discussed bills received unanimous support, reflecting a collaborative effort to enhance healthcare services across Nevada.
As the committee concluded its session, members expressed their commitment to addressing the healthcare needs of Nevadans, with plans for further discussions and potential legislation in the coming weeks. The outcomes of this meeting signal a proactive approach to ensuring that emergency medical services remain viable and effective in serving the community.
Brian McAnallen, Vice President of the Nevada Ambulance Association, emphasized the urgency of the bill, noting that the current reimbursement rates are insufficient to sustain operations. The proposed assessment of approximately $20 per transport would create a fund managed by Medicaid, allowing the state to draw down federal matching funds. This could potentially bring in two federal dollars for every state dollar, significantly bolstering financial support for EMS providers without increasing taxes or cutting other services.
Supporters of the bill, including representatives from various ambulance services, highlighted the pressing need for improved funding amid rising operational costs. Glenn Simpson, Senior Director for Community Ambulance, stated that the bill would help ensure timely access to life-saving care for Nevada communities, particularly as many providers cover large areas and respond to numerous emergency calls daily.
The committee also addressed concerns regarding the potential cancellation of federal funding for the program. Assembly members sought clarification on whether the state would be liable if federal support were withdrawn. Officials confirmed that if the federal program were to cease, the self-assessment would also stop, protecting the state from financial liability.
In addition to Senate Bill 424, the committee reviewed several other measures, including those related to graduate medical education, public health, and services for individuals experiencing homelessness. All discussed bills received unanimous support, reflecting a collaborative effort to enhance healthcare services across Nevada.
As the committee concluded its session, members expressed their commitment to addressing the healthcare needs of Nevadans, with plans for further discussions and potential legislation in the coming weeks. The outcomes of this meeting signal a proactive approach to ensuring that emergency medical services remain viable and effective in serving the community.
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