Governor Hochul signs legislative package to expand health care access to New Yorkers

ALBANY, NY- Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a legislative package to ensure equitable access to essential health care and reaffirm New York’s commitment to safeguarding public health and improving patient outcomes across communities.

The first legislation signed requires Medicaid reimbursement for ambulance services when treatment in place is administered and/or when transportation is provided to alternative health care settings instead of a general hospital, while the second legislation authorizes ground ambulance and advanced life support first response services to store and distribute blood and initiate and administer blood transfusions, mirroring authorizations provided to air ambulance services.

“This legislation ensures essential treatment and transportation, and allows New Yorkers to focus on their well-being during an emergency rather than worrying about the financial cost or availability of critical health care when they need it most,” the Governor said.

"The New York State Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Association is grateful to Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature for enacting these new laws that will improve emergency medical services throughout New York State," said New York State Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Association Legislative Committee Chairperson Steven Kroll.

Image via the Office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul.