Pennsylvania House Bill 1152 Remained Stalled

The proposed legislation aimed at reforming insurance payments for EMS services has failed to clear committee.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Legislative Policy

Pennsylvania House Bill 1152 Remained Stalled

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Should insurance companies be required to pay EMS providers directly for emergency 911 services?

Pennsylvania House Bill 1152, which would require insurers to send payments for 911 emergency services directly to providers, remains stalled in the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. The bill was introduced last year to help agencies cover costs associated with emergency response readiness.

Why it matters

The legislation seeks to eliminate the practice of sending insurance payments to patients, ensuring that EMS agencies receive direct funding. Proponents argue this shift is critical for maintaining the operational and financial viability of emergency services across the state.

House Bill 1152 is currently held in the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. A similar version of the bill has been introduced in the state Senate as a separate legislative measure.

The players

Jill Cooper

She is a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives who has championed the legislation.

House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee

This is the legislative body responsible for reviewing and advancing emergency service policies in the Pennsylvania House.

The details

The bill mandates that insurance companies issue payments for 911 services directly to the EMS provider rather than the patient. Despite discussions regarding potential amendments to the text, lawmakers have yet to reach a consensus, leaving the measure stalled in committee.

House Bill 1152 was introduced last year.
Representative Jill Cooper expects to reintroduce the bill next year if it does not advance this session.

Political Context

Opponents of the bill have expressed concerns over how a direct-payment mandate might impact insurance policy structures and consumer choice. Dissenting voices continue to negotiate the fine print, preventing the bill from reaching a full floor vote.

If passed, the law would streamline billing for residents who currently receive insurance payments for ambulance trips. This change would reduce the administrative burden on patients by ensuring that EMS providers collect payments directly from insurance carriers.

The takeaway

The stalled status of this bill underscores the complexities of balancing insurer workflows with the financial needs of emergency providers. Residents waiting for this change should monitor legislative sessions next year for potential reintroduction efforts.