State Rep. Hal Slager, R-Schererville, right, is presented the "Legislator of the Year" award by a representative of the the Indiana Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Association May 7, 2022, for Slager's work shepherding House Enrolled Act 1112 into law.
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State Rep. Mike Andrade, D-Munster, right, is presented the "Legislator of the Year" award by a representative of the the Indiana Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Association May 7, 2022, for Andrade's work shepherding House Enrolled Act 1112 into law.
Two Northwest Indiana lawmakers have each been named Legislator of the Year by the Indiana Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Association.
State Rep. Hal Slager, R-Schererville, and state Rep. Mike Andrade, D-Munster, were recognized for their efforts to expand Hoosier access to emergency medical services through House Enrolled Act 1112, which increases the rate EMS providers are paid for treating and transporting patients covered by Indiana Medicaid.
According to Slager, the Medicaid EMS reimbursement rate had been unchanged since 1976. Slager said the low rate was making it difficult to hire qualified first responders and negatively impacting ambulance response times.
The new pay rate, which takes effect July 1, 2023, requires Indiana Medicaid pay EMS providers at a rate comparable to the higher federal Medicare rate for EMS services.
"We knew more needed to be done to ensure Hoosiers had access to emergency ambulance care," said Slager, whose House District 15 includes Dyer, Schererville, St. John and northern Hanover Township.
"This change in state law was long overdue, and I'm glad we could deliver results this session. I'll continue to look for ways to improve access and affordability to quality health care."
Andrade agreed. He said the new law "is a big step toward improving healthcare services and public safety for all Hoosiers."
"Updating the Medicaid reimbursement rates strengthens our communities by keeping EMS professionals in our Hoosier State and ensures that those on Medicaid don’t have to think about the hidden costs of calling an ambulance when faced with a medical emergency. I am glad we were able to find a solution to this problem that ultimately will lower costs for all stakeholders," Andrade said.
Kim Godden, vice president at Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Indiana and legislative chairwoman of the Indiana EMS Association, said the lawmakers are very worthy recipients of the organization's Legislator of the Year award.
"(Their) work on HEA 1112, which passed unanimously and was signed into law by the governor, is a major step forward in ensuring that patients seeking ambulance services are protected and our EMS industry is supported with sufficient funding in order for our men and women on the front lines to be compensated appropriately," Godden said.
The nonpartisan Legislative Agency estimates using Medicare rates for Indiana Medicaid's EMS costs will increase state Medicaid spending by $11 million to $14 million a year.
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State Rep. Hal Slager, R-Schererville, right, is presented the "Legislator of the Year" award by a representative of the the Indiana Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Association May 7, 2022, for Slager's work shepherding House Enrolled Act 1112 into law.
State Rep. Mike Andrade, D-Munster, right, is presented the "Legislator of the Year" award by a representative of the the Indiana Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Association May 7, 2022, for Andrade's work shepherding House Enrolled Act 1112 into law.