US SB3145

Requires the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) to test a new payment model within 2 years that covers ground ambulance emergency responses under Medicare Part B when no patient transport occurs

Covers services where an ambulance is dispatched in response to an emergency call but the patient is treated on-scene without being transported to a hospital, allowing payment for "treat-in-place" care

Payment rates must generally align with what would have been paid if the patient had been transported, and telehealth services provided during these responses qualify for originating site fees

The pilot program must run for 5 years and comply with state and local licensure requirements, including protocols that may use audiovisual telecommunications for online medical direction

GAO must submit a report to Congress within 4 years of implementation analyzing beneficiary access and outcomes, comparing results to traditional emergency transport, and providing recommendations for improving emergency medical services