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Bill Summary · HB 883

Summary of HB 883 (Ohio, 136th General Assembly)

Purpose and intent

HB 883 seeks to authorize and fund Medicaid coverage for in-place medical services provided by emergency medical technicians (EMTs) from emergency medical service organizations (EMS organizations) when a caller requests aid, the patient is not transported to a hospital or other location, and certain conditions are met. The bill would enact new Revised Code language (Section 5164.97) and redirect designated state funds to support this payment model.

Key provisions

  • Definitions (A): Aligns EMT-related terms with existing law, specifically EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, and EMT-Paramedic as defined in Ohio statutes.

  • Medicaid coverage for in-place services (B):
    The Medicaid program would cover medical services provided by an EMT-recognized level when:

    • The service is initiated by an emergency call.
    • The patient is evaluated and treated according to state rules governing EMS operations.
    • One of the following occurs:
    • The EMT, with input from a medical director or physician advisory board, determines transport to a hospital is not required.
    • The patient declines transport.

  • Claims eligibility (C):
    An EMS organization can submit claims only if:

    • The organization holds a valid Medicaid provider agreement.
    • The services claimed were medically necessary and properly documented as such.

  • Payment rate (D):
    Medicaid payment for each in-place EMS service would be $150 per service.

  • Appropriations (Section 2-3):
    Creates targeted supplemental appropriations to support the new payment rate for in-place EMS services, funded through the Medicaid Health Care Services line (State General Revenue Fund and Federal funds). The appropriations specify:

    • Fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
    • Distribution between General Revenue Fund and Federal/State Medicaid components.
    • An explicit intent that the funds cover novel expenses directly resulting from implementing the new rate.

  • Accounting and administration (Section 4):
    The Director of Budget and Management would establish appropriation accounts and manage expenditures in accordance with the act, treating these funds similarly to existing operating appropriations.

Affected entities and impact

  • Patients: Individuals receiving EMS in-place services (no hospital transport) may become eligible for Medicaid reimbursement for those EMS-administered interventions.
  • EMS organizations: Must have a valid Medicaid provider agreement and maintain documentation to establish medical necessity for in-place services. They would submit claims under the new $150 per-service rate.
  • State budget: Requires targeted supplemental appropriations in FY2026 and FY2027 to support the new payment structure, with funding split between state and federal Medicaid dollars.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • The bill is introduced in May 2026 and would take effect upon enactment and subsequent regulatory alignment with state EMS rules and Medicaid policies.
  • Payments are contingent on compliance with medical necessity documentation and the prescribing rules from the state board of emergency medical, fire, and transportation services.

Overall, HB 883 aims to expand Medicaid coverage to pay for EMS in-place services when transport is not pursued, establishing a fixed per-service payment and dedicated funding to support implementation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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