Bill > HB185

This bill requires individual and group health insurance providers to directly reimburse ambulance service providers in two primary ways: first, by paying rates that have been negotiated between the insurer and the ambulance provider, and second, by paying the full amount billed by the ambulance service provider if no negotiated rate exists. If there is a dispute about the reasonableness of the billed amount, the insurance department can review the charge. The legislation applies specifically to health insurance policies that include coverage for medically necessary ambulance services, and it allows insurers to still negotiate contracts with non-participating ambulance providers. This change aims to ensure that ambulance service providers are more directly and fairly compensated for their services, potentially addressing current discrepancies between billed rates and allowed amounts. The bill's fiscal note suggests that this could lead to significant increases in healthcare claims costs, with an estimated potential increase of nearly $11.8 million for emergency ground ambulance services, which could ultimately result in higher insurance premiums. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage and does not include additional funding or create new positions to implement its provisions.

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https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=0167&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB185