Bill > S799

This bill introduces comprehensive protections for patients receiving emergency ambulance services by establishing new regulations for billing and reimbursement. The legislation defines key terms like "emergency ambulance service" and requires insurance carriers to directly pay ambulance service providers for out-of-network emergency services at rates established by the municipality where the patient was transported. If no municipal rate exists, reimbursement will be set at 325% of Medicare rates or the provider's billed charges, whichever is less. The bill limits patients' out-of-pocket costs to $100 and mandates that cost-sharing payments count toward in-network deductibles. For uninsured patients, ambulance providers cannot charge more than Medicare rates and are prohibited from using aggressive debt collection tactics like wage garnishment or filing liens. Additionally, the bill requires hospitals and nursing homes to share patient insurance information with ambulance providers upon request. The legislation aims to protect patients from unexpected high medical bills and ensure fair compensation for ambulance service providers, while maintaining transparency in emergency medical service billing.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S799