Bill > HB1850

This bill amends Arkansas law regarding ground ambulance service reimbursement rates by modifying how healthcare insurers calculate minimum payments to ambulance service providers. The key change establishes that, starting July 1, 2025, when specific rates are not already set through local government agreements, insurers must reimburse ambulance providers at the lesser of two rates: either 325% of the Medicare Ambulance Fee Schedule's Arkansas Rural Rate (as determined by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services at the time of service), or the provider's actual billed charges. The bill includes an emergency clause that emphasizes the urgent need to resolve confusion between ambulance providers, insurers, and the State Insurance Department regarding reimbursement rates. The emergency provision allows the bill to become effective immediately upon gubernatorial approval, the expiration of the governor's review period, or, if vetoed, after a veto override. This legislation aims to provide clarity and establish a standardized minimum reimbursement framework for ground ambulance services in Arkansas.

Business and Industry

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1850&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R