Recent News
Bill to Provide “Treat, No Transport” Reimbursement for EMS Agencies Approved by Senate Committee
Legislation to assist EMS agencies by ensuring proper Medicaid reimbursement for calls in which treatment is provided but the patient is not transported to a hospital was approved by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, according to bill sponsors Sens. Doug Mastriano (R-33), Michele Brooks (R-50) and Lisa Baker (R-20). [Read More]
Measures to Support Guard Spouses, Veterans with PTSD Approved by Senate Committee
The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee advanced a bill and a resolution today to establish a loan repayment program for Pennsylvania National Guard spouses and expand treatment options for veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to committee chair Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33). [Read More]
Meeting to consider SB 1471 and SR 122
Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee | Rules Committee, Conference Room [Read More]
Operation Enduring Freedom News Conference
Outside capitol steps, Capitol building [Read More]
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October 8, 1890 - Birthday - American fighter pilot Ace Eddie Rickenbacker (1890-1973) was born in Columbus, Ohio. He commanded the first U.S. aero unit to take part in World War I and was credited with 26 victories, becoming America`s leading Ace. He was awarded the Medal of Honor. He later got involved in auto racing and headed Eastern Air Lines from 1934-63.
THROWBACK THURSDAY: Rebbie and I during our college days at Eastern College (now University) in St. Davids, Pennsylvania, just a few months before I proposed. We didn’t know all the adventures, challenges, and blessings that lay ahead. We just knew we wanted to face them together. #ThrowbackThursday
October 8, 1918 - During World War I in the Argonne Forest in France, U.S. Sergeant Alvin C. York took out a German machine-gun element, killing 25 capturing 132. He was awarded the Medal of Honor and the French Croix de Guerre.
25TH ANNIVERSARY OF OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM
Afghanistan became an important part of my life. I served several tours there, ultimately leading soldiers from 18 nations. We wore different uniforms and spoke different languages, but we shared the same mission and the same risks.
As we commemorated the 25th anniversary of Operation Enduring Freedom, it was a tremendous honor to hear firsthand from several men who served in Afghanistan, including veterans and those still serving in uniform, as they shared their experiences and reflections. We were also blessed with wonderful musical performances that made this commemoration even more meaningful.
Twenty-five years later, I remember the soldiers, the Afghan children we helped, those who came home carrying unseen burdens, and especially those who never came home.
The ending of the war was painful, but this remains true: Our soldiers did not fail. They served with courage, honor, and extraordinary professionalism.
We owe our fallen more than gratitude. We owe them wisdom.
May God bless all who served in Operation Enduring Freedom, our fallen and their families, and the United States of America.
It was a tremendous honor to present my good friend and colleague, Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill of York County, with the Pennsylvania Freedom Medal in recognition of her outstanding service to our Commonwealth.
Kristin is one of the hardest-working members of the Pennsylvania Senate. Her dedication to her constituents, tireless work ethic, and genuine love for Pennsylvania and our nation are evident in everything she does.
Our friendship goes back to the very beginning of my time in the Senate. Kristin and her husband, Rick, joined Rebbie and me at our victory celebration on May 21, 2019. Their friendship and encouragement have meant a great deal to us ever since.
It has been an absolute pleasure serving alongside Kristin. She is a dedicated public servant, a principled leader, and, most importantly, a wonderful friend.
Rebbie and I are deeply grateful for Kristin and Rick, their friendship, and their unwavering commitment to serving others.
Congratulations, Kristin! This recognition is richly deserved.
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Bill to Provide “Treat, No Transport” Reimbursement for EMS Agencies Approved by Senate Committee
HARRISBURG — Legislation to assist EMS agencies by ensuring proper Medicaid reimbursement for calls in which treatment is provided but the patient is not transported to a hospital was approved by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, according to bill sponsors Sens. Doug Mastriano (R-33), Michele Brooks (R-50) and Lisa Baker (R-20).
Senate Bill 1147 would implement a set Medicaid reimbursement rate for treat, no transport calls, bringing financial clarity and predictability to EMS agencies. Current law requires reimbursement based on “reasonable costs,” resulting in varied payment amounts which are frequently less than the average cost for the service.
“EMS professionals put their safety on the line to care for us during the worst moments of our lives, yet their agencies are facing increasingly serious financial challenges,” Mastriano said. “This bill is a commonsense step to strengthen public safety and sends a clear message that we support our first responders.”
"Our EMS providers are always a phone call away when we need them in our most difficult times,” said Sen. Brooks. “This legislation underscores the value of their presence in our communities and ensures they are reimbursed for the critical work they do, preserving local residents’ access to lifesaving care.”
Sen. Baker added, “As we consider ways to strengthen EMS, ‘Treat, No Transport’ accomplishes the important goal of maintaining availability of the on-call ambulance. By spending time in their town with a patient needing medical attention for a non-life-threatening injury or condition, a faster response time is more likely when the next 911 call arrives.”
The bill now advances to the full Senate for further consideration.
