SC New York News

Assemblyman Joseph Angelino (R,C-Norwich) and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo held a press conference with regional Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers at the Broome County Emergency Services Office in Dickinson. Norwich Fire Chief Jan Papelino and Chenango County Emergencies Services Director/Fire Coordinator Matthew Beckwith were also present.

The group urged Governor Kathy Hochul to sign the Direct Pay Bill into law to support EMS providers. This event was part of a series of press conferences across the state addressing this issue.

The Direct Pay Bill (A.250/S.1466) would require insurance companies to send payment for services directly to ambulance providers. Currently, payments are often sent to insured individuals, resulting in lost revenue for ambulance service agencies. The bill passed both houses of the Legislature unanimously last spring and is awaiting the governor’s signature.

Angelino stated, “It’s a fact that rural EMS providers are in crisis. Emergency medical providers are facing a financial nightmare, and that is a travesty. It is abundantly clear the current system is broken, and the Legislature provided a unanimous solution. Our local EMS services are essential to our communities and need to be protected. For these reasons, I am proud to support the Direct Pay legislation to make sure EMS providers are properly compensated.”

Lupardo added, “After learning about the significant challenges facing Emergency Medical Services, especially in Upstate New York, we got behind this piece of common-sense legislation. While it is one piece of a larger set of issues, it will go a long way to help stabilize the finances of these vitally important organizations. I hope the governor agrees that reliable ambulance service is too important to risk and will sign this legislation as soon as possible.”

Chief Jan Papelino from the City of Norwich Fire Department commented, “If we could get direct payments, that would go a long way. We are not trying to make money, but it would be nice to break even.”

The Direct Pay Bill aims to change how EMS providers receive payments by allowing them to bill insurers directly and receive payment directly. This change would ensure that providers receive critical resources necessary for their operations and maintain ambulance availability when needed.

It is believed that opposition from insurance companies regarding out-of-network agency fees may be causing hesitation from Governor Hochul in signing the bill.

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