WASHINGTON — The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a two-year extension of temporary Medicare payment increases for ground ambulance services as part of a broader federal funding package.
In a 341–88 vote, lawmakers passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2026, which funds the federal government through the remainder of the fiscal year and includes a 23-month extension of the current Medicare add-on payments for ambulance providers, the American Ambulance Association states. The measure preserves the 2% urban, 3% rural and 22.6% super-rural payment increases.
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If enacted, the temporary increases — currently set to expire on January 30 — would remain in effect through December 31, 2027. Most other temporary Medicare provider provisions included in the package would be extended for 11 months, through the end of 2026.
The longer ambulance extension aligns with the duration of the temporary Medicare telehealth provisions and reflects continued advocacy from EMS supporters on Capitol Hill.
According to estimates from the Congressional Budget Office, the additional year of relief is expected to provide more than $100 million in funding, bringing the total Medicare support for ground ambulance services to approximately $197 million over the 23-month extension period.
The Senate is expected to consider the funding package in late January as lawmakers work to avoid a partial government shutdown before the end of the month.
