Latest News from State Capitol and 55th District

April 10, 2025

Addressing Pennsylvania’s Emergency Services Crisis

Some subjects that Pennsylvania’s General Assembly takes on are a universal priority. One such subject is public safety. If one does not feel that they are safe in their home community, their quality of life is jeopardized. In recent years, an alarm has been sounded regarding emergency medical services (EMS) and it’s an alarm that must be addressed.

Here in our region, Saltsburg-based Lifestat closed their doors because of financial concerns after serving the community for 36 years. The same occurred in nearby Jeannette a few months prior. Unfortunately, this is not a unique issue to just our region. It is a statewide problem, as 47 ambulance companies faced a similar fate in 2023-24.

Because state law mandates local governments to designate an ambulance service provider, Lifestat’s closure caused a familiar chain reaction; the demand is passed to neighboring providers who were already stretched thin and facing the same financial concerns as the agency that closed.

This problem will not go away on its own and therefore, I introduced a bill that will go a long way in assisting EMS agencies to continue the same protection and peace of mind that we have enjoyed for decades.

There are a few common misconceptions regarding EMS care. It is sometimes assumed that EMS costs are covered by local taxes. This is simply inaccurate. While some local governments can provide funds to local EMS agencies, the reality is that very few do.

It is also believed that insurance companies cover EMS costs. This is equally incorrect. While a patient’s insurance can be billed, rarely does the insurance company reimburse the actual costs.

In the end, every time an ambulance is deployed, under the current funding model, a financial loss occurs.

My proposal, House Bill 1152, would require insurers to pay 350% of the current ambulance rate established by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and apply only to state mandated 911 calls, regardless of whether the EMS agency is in network. The bill also prohibits the practice of requiring patients to pay the difference between the total cost of services and the amount the insurance company pays, commonly known as “balance billing or “surprise billing,” would be prohibited.

I am pleased to note that the proposal has garnered the support of over 30 additional members of the House from both parties, reflecting the widespread concern surrounding this pressing issue.

As a co-chair of the bipartisan House Fire and EMS Caucus, I am dedicated to advancing legislative measures aimed at improving funding for emergency service organizations, enhancing personnel safety, and fostering workforce development.  In the future, I expect additional significant bills from our caucus and I am honored to serve in this capacity.

Here are some additional news topics and reminders I would like to share.

Expanded Call Center Hours for Late-Season Tax Filers - As the deadline for filing 2024 Pennsylvania personal income tax returns nears, the Department of Revenue is extending customer service hours in its call center to provide additional phone assistance to taxpayers. The deadline is April 15.

Taxpayers can call 717-787-8201 to connect with the Department of Revenue's Customer Experience Center (CEC). Extended hours will be:

   • Through Friday, April 11: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
   • Saturday, April 12: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
   • Monday and Tuesday, April 14-15: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Assistance is also available through the department's Online Customer Service Center, which can be found on the department website, which can be accessed at pa.gov, where you can also access free filing resources, including myPATH and Direct File.

Heating Assistance Program Extended Through April 18 - While the cold weather is finally waning, residents who are struggling with their home heating bills are reminded they can still apply for assistance from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) through next Friday, April 18.

LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps individuals and families pay their heating bills through home heating energy assistance grants. It also provides crisis grants to help in the event of an emergency or if a resident is in danger of losing his or her heat due to broken equipment, lack of fuel or termination of utility service.

The income eligibility guidelines for LIHEAP are set at 150% of the federal poverty income level. For example, the gross income limit for an individual is $22,590 and for a family of four it is $46,800.

Residents may apply for LIHEAP online at compass.state.pa.us, by phone at 1-866-550-4355 or by contacting the department’s Westmoreland County Assistance Office, 587 Sells Lane in Greensburg.



Representative Jill Cooper
55th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jordan Frei
724.875.8450
jfrei@pahousegop.com
RepJillCooper.com / Facebook.com/RepJillCooper