Brewster: Legislation to Help Ambulance Services Awaits Govs Signature

Brewster: Legislation to Help Ambulance Services Awaits Govs Signature

Harrisburg – Oct. 24, 2018 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today that legislation to help ambulance services recoup costs of responding to emergencies is set to become law. 

“This legislation will financially help ambulance companies who respond to emergencies,” Brewster said.  “Insurance companies will no longer be able to expose emergency responders to costs simply because services were refused.”

Brewster said that the legislation (House Bill 1013) passed unanimously in the Senate and state House of Representatives in the last week of session.  The bill was presented to the governor for his signature into law on Oct. 17.

“This is clearly a step forward in the effort to help our local first responders,” Brewster said.  “Ambulance services respond to emergencies regardless of cost and they should not bear the responsibility if an insurance company determines that medical help was not necessary.”

Brewster has long been a supporter of emergency services.  He said that his experience in local government underscored his appreciation for the work of emergency responders.

“Emergency responders put their lives on the line to help others,” Brewster said.  “This new law will help them continue their life-saving work.”

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