Senator Rosen Sent A Letter And Joined Bipartisan Legislation To Oppose Federal Rule That Would Increase Ambulance Service Costs For Veterans & Could End Services Altogether
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) is taking action to protect Nevada veterans’ access to emergency medical transportation, including ground and air ambulances. Earlier this year, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) finalized a federal rule change that would significantly reduce reimbursement rates for ambulance transportation services, far below the actual costs of these services. This could threaten veterans’ access to emergency medical care, particularly for those in rural or hard-to-reach areas. Senator Rosen has joined the bipartisan VA Emergency Transportation Access Act to bar the VA from reducing ambulance reimbursement rates, and she also sent a letter calling for a delay of this rule until the VA can guarantee rural veterans won’t be affected.
“Our veterans deserve the best medical care our nation has to offer, regardless of where they live,” said Senator Rosen. “When I heard this VA rule could affect veterans’ access to emergency transportation and ambulance services, I was outraged. That’s why I’m taking swift action to push back on the Biden Administration’s decision and make sure our veterans can continue accessing the lifesaving care they need.”
“In the course of my duties as Lieutenant Governor, I have the privilege of spending considerable time in rural areas of our state where I have seen firsthand the importance of emergency medical services, not only for veterans but also for their families and communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony. “That’s why I’m grateful for Senator Rosen’s actions. These efforts will have a profound impact on ensuring that veterans, no matter where they reside, can access vital medical care without delay.”
“On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Lake Tahoe Chapter of Military Officers Association of America, I wish to express our thanks for Senator Rosen’s immediate and early action,” said Captain James Clark, United States Navy (Ret.), President of the Lake Tahoe Branch of the Military Officers Association of America. “There are hundreds of veterans at Lake Tahoe who are served by our Reno VA Hospital. The VA’s proposed rule on ambulance reimbursements threatened to cut our access over the Eastern Sierra crest to medical resources, particularly when we get winters like we did last year. Senator Rosen’s support of the nation’s veterans is sincerely appreciated.”
“We appreciate and honor the service of our veterans and we take pride in providing high quality emergency medical services and medical transportation to our veterans,” said Barry Duplantis, CEO & President of Regional Emergency Medical Services Authority (REMSA). “The VA Emergency Transportation Access Act is critically important to support our veterans who increasingly make up a greater portion of our aging population and often require ambulance services. The VA Emergency Transportation Access Act protects service to our veterans by ensuring adequate reimbursement to ambulance providers.”
Senator Rosen has been a leader in the fight to support our nation’s veterans. Earlier this year, she helped introduce the bipartisan Veterans Caregiver Application and Appeals Reform (CARE) Act to improve the VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, and ensure that caregivers and veterans can take advantage of the support and care they deserve. Senator Rosen also secured authorization for a new VA hospital in Reno and Nevada’s first-ever Veteran Business Outreach Center. Additionally, Senator Rosen has co-sponsored the bipartisan GUARD VA Benefits Act to protect veterans from predatory practices. Last year, she helped pass the bipartisan PACT Act to extend VA benefits and health care to all veterans suffering from illnesses as a result of exposure to burn pits and other toxins during their service overseas.
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