Bill > SB245

This bill prohibits surprise ambulance billing and establishes new regulations for ground ambulance service reimbursement by health insurance carriers. Specifically, when a non-participating ground ambulance service provider transports a patient in an emergency situation, the health carrier must directly reimburse the provider either at rates set by the local government or at a minimum of 325 percent of the current Medicare rates for the geographic area. The bill prohibits the ambulance service provider from billing patients for any additional amounts beyond standard copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Health carriers are not allowed to require prior authorization for emergency ambulance services and must consider the service medically necessary if it is requested through local dispatch protocols or by a medical clinician. The bill does not apply to air ambulance services and gives health carriers the option to negotiate future contracts with ambulance providers. While the bill is expected to potentially increase health insurance premiums slightly (estimated at 0.5% or approximately $15 million in aggregate), it aims to protect patients from unexpected high medical bills and ensure fair compensation for emergency ambulance services. The law is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=1109&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=SB245