Bill > H1159

This bill amends Massachusetts law to establish new requirements for insurance payments related to emergency ambulance services. The legislation defines key terms such as "ambulance service provider" as an entity licensed by the state's public health department to provide ambulance services, and "emergency ambulance services" as immediate medical transportation when urgent medical attention is needed. The bill mandates that when an ambulance service provides emergency transportation to an insured individual and is not under contract with the insurance company, the insurer must directly and promptly pay the ambulance service provider. This payment is required even if the insurance policy normally prohibits benefit assignments, as long as the insured executes an assignment of benefits or is unable to do so. The payment rate will be set at the rate established by the municipality where the patient was transported. Once paid, the ambulance service provider cannot bill the insured further except for standard policy-related costs like co-pays or deductibles. The bill explicitly states that it does not create new insurance coverage requirements or limit an insured's existing benefits, but instead provides a clear mechanism for ambulance service providers to receive payment for emergency services.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1159