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Author: AAA Staff

Senate Cloture on Shutdown Package

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Government Affairs, Legislative, Medicare, Member Advisories, Member-Only, News, Reimbursement.

The Senate has made progress towards ending the government shutdown. The Senate, by a vote of 60 to 40, invoked cloture on consideration of the House-passed Continuing Resolution after an agreement was reached yesterday with eight Senate Democrats on replacement language, which the Senate will vote on next.

On our specific issues, the language would do the following:
1. Extend the temporary Medicare ambulance add-ons payments through January 30, 2026
2. Prevent PAYGO cuts to Medicare providers and suppliers from H.R. 1
3. Extend Medicare sequestration provider cuts for another month

We will keep you posted on new developments.

Senators Collins and Welch Have Introduced TIP Senate Companion Legislation

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Government Affairs, Legislative, Member Advisories, News, Reimbursement.

Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Peter Welch (D-VT) introduced the Senate version of the CARE Act (S. 3145) to establish a CMMI demonstration program for reimbursement of ambulance responses with medical care provided on-site without transport to a medical facility. Linked below is a copy of the press release from Senator Collins, as well as both the House and Senate versions of the bill.

Sen. Collins Press Release

Senate Bill Text

House Bill Text 

 

Contact your member of Congress today!

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Advocacy Priorities, Government Affairs, Legislative, Medicare, Member Advisories.

With the Medicare ambulance add-ons having expired at least temporarily, it is critical that you contact your Members of Congress now to ask for their support in reinstating and making permanent this vital financial relief. They can demonstrate their support by cosponsoring the Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act (H.R. 2232, S. 1643). Please customize the sample template letter to let them know of the financial impact of the loss of the additional 2% urban, 3% rural and 22.6% super rural in additional Medicare payments on your operation.

Click the link below and write your members of Congress today about reinstating and extending the add-on payments.

Contact your members of Congress here!

2025 AAA Board of Directors Election Results

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in AAA HQ, Elections, Uncategorized.

The winners of the 2025 AAA Board of Directors election are listed below. Each Director will serve a 3-year term beginning January 1, 2026.  Please join us in thanking all candidates for their service to the American Ambulance Association.

Region 1 Director (3-year term)

Dennis Cataldo
President/CEO
Cataldo Ambulance Service, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

Region 2 Director (3-year term)

John Peterson
Executive Director
Mecklenburg EMS Agency (Medic)

 

 

 

 

 

Region 3 Director (3-year term)

Kolby Miller
CEO
Medstar

 

 

 

 

 

 

Region 4 Director (3-year term)

Butch Oberhoff
Senior Director of Governmental Affairs
Acadian Ambulance

 

 

 

 

 

Region 5 Director (3-year term)

Mike Battis
Director of Operations
Ballard Ambulance

 

 

 

 

Ethics Committee Members (2-year term)

  • Paul Main
  • Chuck Kearns

 

AAA Nominates Mike Thomas to Serve Again on NEMSAC

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Executive, News.

American Ambulance Association President Jamie Pafford-Gresham has nominated AAA Board Member Mike Thomas of JanCare Ambulance in West Virginia to once again serve as the “private (career non-fire) EMS” representative on the National Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee (NEMSAC). The Administration recently ended the terms of previous federal advisory committee members, including those on NEMSAC, and is now accepting new nominations. Mike previously served on NEMSAC, and the AAA is proud to renominate him for a full term in his role representing private EMS.

2025 Candidates for the AAA Board of Directors

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Elections.

The American Ambulance Association Board has ratified the 2025 slate of candidates for this year’s election. Online ballots will open Monday, September 15th, and will be delivered to AAA Active Member primary contacts via email from announcement@associationvoting.com. Voting ends October 24th, with results announced November 2nd at the 2025 Stars of Life Board & Membership Meeting.

This year’s election features a great group of candidates for the following positions:

  • Region 1 Director
  • Region 2 Director
  • Region 3 Director
  • Region 4 Director
  • Region 5 Director
  • Ethics Committee

 Thank you to all our talented candidates for stepping forward to serve!

Meet the Candidates

2025 State Association Leadership Excellence Conference

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Events, State Association Leadership Excellence.

Join fellow state-level ambulance and EMS association leaders for a day of networking and idea exchange at the second annual State Association Leadership Excellence Conference! Share challenges, successes, and innovations with mobile healthcare leaders from across the country.

Register Now

American Ambulance Association
State Association Leadership Excellence (SALE) Conference
October 1 | 8:30–15:00 CT
Dallas, TX

AGENDA

At 2025 SALE, state and national EMS leaders will collaborate to drive effective, sustainable policy at the state level.
Please note that the agenda is subject to change based on advocacy and collaboration needs at the time of the conference.
Time Topic
8:30 AM Welcome, Introductions, Antitrust Statement, Hot Off the Presses
Donna Newchurch & Henry Lewis
8:55 AM Federal Advocacy Update
Jamie Pafford-Gresham & Tristan North
9:25 AM OBBBA’s Impact on Medicaid
Sellers Dorsey
9:40 AM State Balance Billing Landscape & Politics (Part 1)
Terence Ramotar & Ken Kelley
10:25 AM Break
10:40 AM State Balance Billing Landscape & Politics (Part 2)
Terence Ramotar & Ken Kelley
11:25 AM Engaging & Optimizing Your Lobbyist
California
11:55 AM Networking Lunch
12:40 PM EMS as an Essential Service: Making This Meaningful
Henry Lewis & Reg James
1:10 PM Managing Wall Times
Tracy Wold
1:30 PM Workforce Shortage Strategies & Sustainability Best Practices
Henry Lewis
2:00 PM Small Group Simulation Capstone
2:50 PM Closing Remarks
Donna Newchurch & Henry Lewis

CONFERENCE VENUE & HOTEL BLOCK

Hyatt Regency Dallas
300 Reunion Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75207, USA

Located in downtown next to the iconic Dallas landmark, Reunion Tower, Hyatt Regency Dallas is a gateway to the best of the city. Live, work, and unwind in ultimate comfort at our inviting hotel, located near the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, American Airlines Center, and within walking distance of tourist attractions like Dealey Plaza and the Historic West End. Whether you’re here to work or play, Hyatt Regency Dallas is designed to be your downtown home base.

Sen. Schmitt PR | Senators Schmitt, Coons Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Reauthorize Construction of Memorial Honoring EMTs and Paramedics

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Government Affairs, Press.

Senators Schmitt, Coons Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Reauthorize Construction of Memorial Honoring EMTs and Paramedics

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Chris Coons (D-DE) introduced a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the National Emergency Services Memorial Foundation to establish a national memorial in Washington, D.C. to honor EMS professionals for their service, dedication, and sacrifice.

“EMTs and paramedics in Missouri, and across the United States, work tirelessly during emergencies, often putting themselves in harm’s way to save lives. Thanks to this legislation, our emergency medical service providers will have a well-deserved national memorial that reminds the public of their commitment to service and honors those who have died in the line-of-duty,” said Senator Schmitt.

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