Comprehensive Alternative Response for Emergencies Act of 2025; CARE Act of 2025
Summary
The CARE Act of 2025 aims to amend Title XI of the Social Security Act, mandating the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) to test a new emergency response model under Medicare. This model focuses on alternative responses to emergency calls that do not necessarily require transportation to a hospital. It allows for payment under Medicare Part B for ground ambulance services that include dispatch but not transport, provided they meet certain criteria.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely lead to changes in how Medicare beneficiaries receive emergency medical services. It could result in more on-site treatment and telehealth consultations, potentially reducing unnecessary hospital visits. A report by the Comptroller General will assess the model's impact on beneficiary outcomes and resource utilization.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially reduces unnecessary emergency room visits, freeing up resources for more critical cases.
- Allows for Medicare reimbursement for on-site treatment and telehealth services provided by ground ambulance services.
- Could improve access to emergency medical services in rural or underserved areas through telehealth.
- The model includes a 5-year duration, allowing for sufficient data collection and analysis.
- The Comptroller General's report will provide valuable insights into the model's effectiveness and areas for improvement.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased costs if the payment rates for alternative responses are not carefully managed.
- The model's success depends on the availability of adequate telehealth infrastructure and trained personnel.
- There may be challenges in ensuring consistent quality of care across different providers and locations.
- Beneficiary outcomes may vary depending on regional variations and demographics.
- The model's implementation could face resistance from traditional emergency transportation providers.
Constitutional Alignment
The CARE Act falls under the purview of Congress's power to legislate on matters related to healthcare and the general welfare, as outlined in the preamble of the US Constitution. Specifically, it relates to Congress's ability to "promote the general Welfare" by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the Medicare program. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).