Ohio House Bill HB883

Ohio 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Filed/Introduced: 8/6/26

Caption

To enact section 5164.97 of the Revised Code regarding Medicaid coverage for treatment in place services provided by EMS organizations, and to make an appropriation.

Summary

HB883 would require Ohio Medicaid to cover certain emergency medical services provided by EMS personnel when a patient is evaluated and treated at the scene and is not transported to a hospital or other location. The bill applies to services performed by emergency medical technician-basics, intermediates, and paramedics when the call began as an emergency response, the patient was assessed under state board rules, and either the EMS clinician determined transport was unnecessary in consultation with medical oversight or the patient declined transport. The bill also creates a payment framework for EMS organizations that are enrolled Medicaid providers and can document medical necessity. It sets a Medicaid payment rate of $150 per covered in-place service and includes a $2 million supplemental appropriation for fiscal year 2027 to support implementation costs tied to the new reimbursement policy.

Impact

HB883 would add a new section to the Revised Code requiring Medicaid coverage for treatment-in-place EMS services and would direct the Department of Medicaid to reimburse eligible EMS organizations for qualifying non-transport encounters. It would affect Medicaid policy, EMS provider billing practices, and state appropriations by creating a dedicated funding line for the new payment rate, with both state and federal Medicaid dollars supporting the appropriation.

Sentiment

The bill appears generally supportive of EMS reimbursement for treatment-in-place care, reflecting a policy interest in paying providers when they evaluate and treat patients without transport. Because the bill was only introduced and there are no recorded committee transcripts or votes, there is no documented opposition or formal debate in the available record.

Contention

The main policy issues likely to arise are whether Medicaid should pay for non-transport EMS encounters, how medical necessity and documentation will be verified, and whether the $150 rate and $2 million appropriation are sufficient. Potential stakeholders include EMS organizations seeking reimbursement, Medicaid administrators responsible for program integrity, and budget officials concerned with cost and implementation.