SB52 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur Orr Senator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Prohibit "balance billing" by out-of-network ground ambulances

Description

Individuals who have health insurance often incur more out-of-pocket costs for care rendered by an out-of-network health care facility, service, or professional practice. In addition, an out-of-network provider may bill the insured for the total retail charge for the care or service rendered. This practice is called "balance billing" or "surprise billing." Under current law, the federal "No Surprises Act" prohibits balance billing by out-of-network providers for care rendered in medical emergencies.

However, this law excludes ground ambulance services from the emergency care that it covers.

This bill would prohibit balance billing by ground ambulance services and provide for reimbursement amounts to be paid by insurers to out-of-network ground ambulance providers. The Department of Insurance would be authorized to obtain the data necessary for insurers to pay out-of-network ground ambulance providers.

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Subjects

Insurance