The Texas EMS Alliance Thanks HHSC as New Medicaid Rates Begin September 1, 2026

Austin, Texas – August 27, 2026 – The Texas EMS Alliance today thanked the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) for approving a Medicaid rate increase for certain ground ambulance services that takes effect September 1, 2026. For some ground EMS services, the increase exceeds 50 percent – a significant step toward sustaining emergency medical care across the state, particularly in rural communities where the ambulance is often the last remaining health care provider.

“EMS has come a long way since the summer of 2017, when our services faced sweeping Medicaid cut proposals,” said Michael Furrh, president of the Texas EMS Alliance and director of Lavaca County EMS. “Today, HHSC has approved Medicaid increases of more than 50 percent for some ground ambulance services, effective September 1. That is a remarkable turnaround, and it reflects years of advocacy from EMS providers across the state.”

Furrh emphasized the stakes for the communities EMS services. “We appreciate HHSC recognizing how critical EMS is to Texas communities by moving these increases forward,” he said. “In much of rural Texas, the ambulance is the only health care provider left after hospital and physician clinic closures. This investment helps keep that lifeline in place for the patients who need it most.”

He also credited the broad coalition behind the effort. “This was a team effort, and we’re grateful to everyone who worked to make it happen – including HHSC and the Texas Ambulance Association,” Furrh said. “They all put real effort into this, and it made a meaningful difference for EMS providers and the patients we serve.”

Click here to view the advocacy efforts associated with the rate increase.

Where to Find the New Rates

Providers can find the official notice about the new rates through the Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) at www.tmhp.com.

Providers should also note TMHP’s following guidance regarding Medicaid Managed Care:

Texas Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) must cover medically necessary Medicaid services, but each MCO may have different administrative requirements, including prior authorization, referrals, and claims submission processes. Providers should verify requirements directly with the member’s MCO.

A Deeper Dive at EMS EVOLUTION 2026

The Texas EMS Alliance will take a deeper dive into the Medicaid increases and other public policy issues affecting EMS at EMS EVOLUTION 2026, September 28–30 at the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center in College Station. The conference brings together EMS leaders from across Texas for education, advocacy and networking on the issues shaping the future of emergency medical services.

About the Texas EMS Alliance

Founded in 2013, the Texas EMS Alliance (TEMSA) is the unified voice for ambulance agencies of every type and size across Texas. Its membership includes nearly 100 agencies serving urban and rural communities statewide.