News

June 2, 2026

The Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) has launched a new news and updates page to provide ambulance services, EMS providers, educators, and stakeholders with timely information on regulations, compliance guidance, education updates, grant opportunities, staffing announcements, and statewide EMS initiatives. OEMS encourages Minnesota EMS professionals to check the page regularly for new resources and announcements affecting the state's EMS system.

Link: https://mn.gov/oems/news/

May 27, 2026

The latest EMS Update newsletter from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Office of EMS features information on federal grant opportunities, EMS research initiatives, NEMSIS updates, and educational resources available to EMS agencies. The newsletter provides timely information on national EMS developments and federal programs supporting EMS systems.

Link: https://www.ems.gov/resources/newsletters/

May 18, 2026

In recognition of EMS Week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Office of EMS highlighted resources available to EMS agencies and providers, including information on EMS data systems, pediatric readiness, prehospital blood transfusion initiatives, and workforce development.

Link: https://www.ems.gov/resources/

April 9, 2026

MedPAC commissioners continued discussions regarding Medicare ambulance reimbursement and reviewed recommendations related to the collection and use of ground ambulance cost data. The commission's work will help inform future congressional discussions on ambulance payment policy.

Link: https://www.medpac.gov/document-topic/ambulance/

March 3, 2026

The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) reviewed the Medicare Ground Ambulance Data Collection System and discussed recommendations regarding future ambulance cost and revenue data collection. The discussion focused on ensuring Medicare payment accuracy while reducing reporting burdens on ambulance providers.

Link: https://www.medpac.gov/meeting/march-2-3-2026/

February 17, 2026

Federal legislation extending Medicare ambulance add-on payments through the end of 2027 was signed into law, providing continued reimbursement relief for ground ambulance service organizations nationwide. The law continues the existing urban, rural, and super-rural payment adjustments while policymakers consider long-term payment reforms.

Link: https://tennesseeambulance.com/medicare-add-ons-extended-for-23-months/

January 22, 2026

Congress has approved a 23-month extension of the Medicare ambulance add-on payments that provide additional reimbursement for urban, rural, and super-rural ambulance services. The extension provides continued financial support for ambulance providers while national discussions on long-term Medicare ambulance payment reform continue.

Link: https://ambulance.org/2026/01/22/house-passes-2-year-ambulance-medicare-relief-extension/

January 9, 2026

The National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO) and the Uniformed Services University have announced a five-year partnership focused on advancing EMS system performance, improving patient outcomes, and supporting research in areas including prehospital blood transfusion, 911 systems, and post-crash care. The initiative is supported through collaboration with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Office of EMS.

Link: https://www.ems1.com/ems-advocacy/partnership-between-national-ems-group-and-uniformed-services-university-targets-systemwide-improvements

Payment Basics is a series of brief overviews of how Medicare’s payment systems function. The Commission produces Payment Basics as a resource for policymakers and others to better understand how Medicare pays for health care services.

https://www.medpac.gov/document-type/payment-basic/