Denver, CO – A new law aiming to boost Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in rural areas got unanimous approval from the Senate Health and Human Services Committee recently.
The bill, known as HB26-1069, sponsored by Senator Kyle Mullica from Thornton, seeks to improve funding for EMS in Colorado. It opens the door for Medicaid to reimburse on-site treatment and certain telehealth services. This is important since EMS workers often provide essential care right where it’s needed.
Senator Mullica stressed, “EMS workers should be equipped to deliver immediate care and be compensated for it. This bill can lower costs for patients and help sustain EMS services vital to Colorado communities.”
One focus of the bill is “treatment in place,” which allows EMS to handle cases without transport to the emergency room. Interestingly, this method typically costs less than a hospital visit. Yet, EMS teams often only get reimbursed when they transport patients, even when it’s unnecessary. By allowing Medicaid to cover treatment in place, the bill aims to save money for both patients and the state.
A federal pilot program found that treatment in place delivered a remarkable 193% cost-to-savings ratio for Medicare members versus emergency room care. A local study in Eagle County showed that treatment in place led to an average savings of $1,285.40 per call for the state.
The impact doesn’t stop with just finance. This bill also supports social workers involved in emergency responses, classifying them as first responders. This classification helps draw more professionals to rural areas, where the demand for services is high.
If passed, HB26-1069 could save Colorado roughly $2.1 million in the fiscal year 2026-27 and continue saving more in the following years. It’s now heading to the Senate Appropriations Committee for more review.
For more details, you can follow the progress of the bill here.
Recent discussions about EMS reforms show a growing trend toward expanding the scope of practice for these vital services. As communities recognize the importance of efficient, immediate care, this bill could set a precedent for other states facing similar challenges.
By bridging the gaps in funding and practice, Colorado aims to enhance healthcare access and outcomes, especially for those in rural areas. As EMS providers push for these changes, the dialogue on healthcare reform continues to evolve, highlighting the need for timely and effective medical responses.
