Comment on CMS-2026-1916-0001

Summary: Pamela B McBeath of Balentine Ambulance Service, Inc. opposes the proposed rule, arguing that the 100% Medicare payment ceiling for Medicaid state-directed payments fails to cover the actual costs of emergency medical services. She contends that the rule exceeds congressional intent, creates unfair implementation timelines for ambulance providers, and lacks sufficient geographic and operational exceptions for rural and low-utilization services.