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SB748/HB201 Increased TennCare Reimbursement for non-emergency transports: Unfortunately although we received support in committees for our request to increase TennCare non-emergency reimbursement rates to 100% of the Medicare fee schedule, the funding for this increase was not included in the final State budget. We have been advised that this request will be considered a priority for next year.
SB0160/HB0083 TACIR Summer Study on Economic Impacts of EMS in TN: Requires the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) to study the economic impact on counties that are required to provide ambulance services (services), which counties provide services directly or franchise such services, which municipalities provide such services, and whether policy changes may benefit the overall health and delivery of services in this state. Furthermore, TACIR is required to study emergency and non-emergency transport reimbursement from commercial payors, Medicare, Medicaid, and the way counties and municipalities fund the deficit at which these services operate. Requires TACIR to complete such studies utilizing its existing resources and to report its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the chairs of certain legislative committees and the legislative librarian.
- TASA Board Members have already begun meeting with TACIR to help enlighten them on the current challenges for EMS in Tennessee - especially regarding funding.
SB747/HB171 Ground Ambulance Assessment: The Ground Ambulance Assessment Program was renewed for SFY26 with no significant changes.
SB1431/HB1409 EMS Grants: Funds increased to $5 million for TN licensed EMS services:
- From the legislative budget document: Item 19. In addition to any other funds appropriated by the provisions of this act, there is appropriated the sum of $5,000,000 (nonrecurring) to the Department of Health, for the sole purpose of making grants in equal amounts and on a competitive basis to licensed emergency medical services organizations across the state, to be used for equipment. Any unexpended funds shall not revert to the general fund balance at June 30 and shall be carried forward in a reserve at June 30 and are hereby reappropriated in the subsequent fiscal year.
- TASA has met with the Department of Health to clarify the purpose and mechanism for equally distributing the funds. Each licensed ambulance service will have the oportunity to submit a request, likely via on-line portal, and funds will be disbursed through the State's Edison system. More details will be coming soon as the Health Department works out the details with TASA.