News Release | Senator Susan Collins Receives 2026 Legislative Recognition Award
October 30, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Emily Nichols
Enichols@ambulance.org
Senator Susan Collins Receives 2026 Legislative Recognition Award
Washington, DC — October 30, 2026 — The American Ambulance Association (AAA) recognized U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) with a 2026 Legislative Recognition Award on October 29, honoring her leadership in advancing policies that strengthen emergency medical services (EMS) and support access to lifesaving care in communities across the country.
Senator Collins has demonstrated her commitment to advancing policies that address the financial and operational challenges facing EMS providers, particularly those serving rural and underserved communities.
Among her efforts, Senator Collins joined Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) in introducing the Senate version of the bipartisan Comprehensive Alternative Response for Emergencies (CARE) Act (S. 3145). This legislation would establish a demonstration program through the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) to evaluate Medicare reimbursement for ambulance services that provide medical care to patients on-site without requiring transport to a hospital.
By supporting alternative approaches to emergency care delivery, the CARE Act seeks to improve patient access to appropriate care while addressing reimbursement challenges that have long affected ambulance service providers.
Senator Collins has also supported legislation aimed at protecting Medicare reimbursement for ground ambulance services and preserving access to emergency medical care, particularly in rural communities.
AAA is grateful for Senator Collins’ continued partnership and her efforts to find meaningful solutions to the challenges facing the EMS profession. Her leadership reflects the importance of ensuring ambulance providers can continue delivering essential healthcare.
Senator Susan Collins is among 32 members of Congress selected to receive AAA’s 2026 Legislative Recognition Awards for their leadership and continued support of EMS and mobile healthcare. Additional recipients will be presented with their awards over the coming months, including during the Stars of Life celebration, taking place November 16–18 in Washington, DC, which honors outstanding EMS professionals from across the country.
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About the American Ambulance Association
Caring for People—First.
The American Ambulance Association safeguards the future of mobile healthcare through advocacy, thought leadership, and education. AAA advances sustainable EMS policy, empowering our members to serve their communities with high-quality on-demand healthcare. For more than 40 years, we have proudly represented those who care for people first.

















