Urges Congress and Department of Veterans Affairs not to reduce funding for ambulance services for veterans.
Impact
This resolution emphasizes the potential negative impact of reduced funding, which could shift financial responsibility for ambulance services from the federal government to state and local governments. This transition is concerning, particularly as state and local entities may lack the necessary resources to cover these costs, ultimately jeopardizing access to essential services for veterans and the general population. The resolution is a call to action to ensure that veterans maintain their access to the medical transportation they require.
Summary
Assembly Resolution No. 105, introduced in New Jersey, urges the United States Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs not to reduce funding for ambulance services for veterans. The resolution highlights the importance of maintaining reimbursement rates for these services, which have been provided to veterans for medical emergencies since 1984. Given the significant population of veterans in New Jersey, estimated at 338,012, the proposed cuts could severely limit their access to emergency medical care, as many rely on free ambulance transportation to reach healthcare facilities.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding this resolution include the financial burden that could fall on local and state governments if federal reimbursements are cut. Furthermore, the resolution points to the challenges faced by rural areas in New Jersey, which are experiencing a rise in hospital closures. With higher ambulance costs averaging between $400 and $600, the resolution emphasizes that veterans may be forced to forgo necessary medical care due to financial constraints, thus breaching the military principle of 'leaving no one behind.' The resolution aims to protect veterans from these potential negative consequences.