(Washington, D.C.)- This week, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Kelly Armstrong (R-ND) announced the introduction of bipartisan legislation to strengthen and expand paramedicine services in communities across the country. The Community Paramedicine Act would formally authorize a federal grant program dedicated to providing rural and urban communities the funding necessary to offer centralized, mobile, and preventative care through local paramedics, an increasingly popular initiative in healthcare known as Community Paramedicine.

"Right now, more than 57 million Americans must travel inordinate distances to receive care from their nearest physician, which is both burdensome and costly for these families that live in areas deemed medically underserved, particularly in rural communities," said Congressman Cleaver. "Community Paramedicine helps to lower costs for families and bridge the healthcare gaps in rural and urban areas by bringing care right to your door. I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Rep. Armstrong as we seek to bolster paramedicine in communities across the country and ensure every American has access to quality, affordable healthcare."

"As a former volunteer firefighter in Dickinson, I know the importance of ensuring access to emergency care in rural areas," said Rep. Armstrong. "With only 11% of physicians working in rural settings, our communities often rely on our emergency medical service providers who work day and night to protect us and provide care. The Community Paramedicine Act provides options for rural and urban communities to fully utilize the expertise that paramedics and EMTs already have based on their comprehensive training and certifications. I am proud to introduce this legislation with Rep. Cleaver and I will remain committed to ensuring that our medical professionals have the resources they need to save lives."

"NAEMT commends Representatives Cleaver and Armstrong for introducing H.R. 8042, the Community Paramedicine Act of 2024," said Susan Bailey, NAEMT President. "This legislation would establish a grant program to support community paramedicine services, which is especially vital for the health and medical care needs of patients in rural and underserved areas."

For some patients - including those who are uninsured, underinsured, homebound, medically fragile, or live in rural areas - their access to care relies primarily on 9-1-1, EMTs, and the hospital emergency room. Over 57 million Americans must travel a lengthy distance to reach their nearest physician, with Rural Americans experiencing the most travel time, as only 11% of physicians work in rural settings. However, many urban communities face similar challenges, as the number of available physicians fails to keep up with growing populations. With a demand for physician services that outpaces available appointments, many residents are currently left medically underserved.

Community Paramedicine combats this by bringing health care to Americans' doorsteps, improving care accessibility for underserved communities. Community Paramedicine programs can provide check-ups, health education, and preventative care. These services improve patient access to diagnostic testing, specialized service referrals, and transportation to medical appointments.

Moreover, studies have shown that Community Paramedicine programs can save thousands of dollarsper year per patient by helping people lead healthier lives and decreasing healthcare emergencies. For example, Community Paramedicine visits can help a person living with heart failure, asthma, COPD, or diabetes avoid acute emergencies. A study in eastern Massachusetts showed that their Community Paramedicine model saved over $1,900 per case and nearly $6 million in a year.

To ensure rural and urban communities have the funding necessary to provide Community Paramedicine services, the Community Paramedicine Act would authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to:

• Create an annual $25,000,000 grant programto support community paramedicine services in communities nationwide;
• Award qualified public or nonprofit entities federal fundingupwards of $750,000 for individual applications and $1.5 million for joint applications;
• Reserve at least 15% of appropriated funds for tribal communities; and
• Establish an advisory board to advise, assist, and peer review grant applications, comprised of national community paramedicine, national fire service, and emergency medical service organizations.

The Community Paramedicine Act is endorsed by Mid-Atlantic Regional Council, National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, National Association of EMS Physicians, International Association of Emergency Medical Services Chiefs, Kansas EMS Association, American College of Emergency Physicians, Missouri Ambulance Association, Missouri EMS Association, Missouri 911 Service Board, National Association of Mobile Integrated Healthcare Providers, National Emergency Number Association, International Association of Fire Chiefs, and American Ambulatory Association.

Official text of the Community Paramedicine Act is available here.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

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