Contact:
Jessica Weirauch
Michigan Municipal League
[email protected], 734-669-6311

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 24, 2025

LANSING, MI – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed House Bill 5695 into law, officially making it Public Act 275 of 2024. The bill passed with strong bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. Leading to the bill’s passage, the Michigan Municipal League, alongside many key partners, advocated on behalf of Michigan’s cities and villages to highlight the importance of this legislation for local governments.

This new law directs the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to submit a state plan amendment for participation in the federal Ground Emergency Medical Transport (GEMT) program, allowing local government ambulance services to receive Medicaid reimbursements for costs accrued while transporting Medicaid patients.

Michigan ranks 8th nationwide in Medicaid enrollees, with approximately 2.7 million residents covered. This federal funding could bring up to $70 million annually to Michigan communities, without increasing the tax burden on residents. Around 160 locally run emergency medical service agencies across the state are eligible to participate, ensuring broad and equitable support.

The GEMT program offers a much-needed lifeline for locally operated ambulance services, which are experiencing tight budgets due to reduced state revenue sharing and property tax fatigue.

The bill was sponsored by State Representative Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park), who emphasized its financial and service benefits. “I am proud of this bipartisan legislation that will bring federal tax dollars back to local communities,” he said. “This is a huge win for local governments, first responders, and taxpayers. I thank the governor and my colleagues for coming together to support this legislation. I am encouraged to see how much this legislation will positively impact our state and local communities.”

Local officials echoed Rep. McFall’s sentiments. “The Michigan GEMT will bring many benefits to local communities from increased federal funding to enhance service delivery,” said Sterling Heights Fire Chief Kevin Edmond, who credited the bill’s success to “the collaboration of many stakeholders.”

The League commends Governor Whitmer, Representative McFall, and the Michigan Legislature for their leadership in passing Public Act 275 of 2024. This new law represents a major step forward in supporting emergency medical services and ensuring federal tax dollars return to Michigan communities, strengthening the essential services of our cities and villages.

Michigan Municipal League is dedicated to making Michigan’s communities better by thoughtfully innovating programs, energetically connecting ideas and people, actively serving members with resources and services, and passionately inspiring positive change for Michigan’s greatest centers of potential: its communities. The League advocates on behalf of its member communities in Lansing, Washington, D.C., and the courts; provides educational opportunities for elected and appointed municipal officials; and assists municipal leaders in administering services to their communities through League programs and services. Learn more at mml.org. 

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