Ambulance rides can be a lifesaving necessity during emergencies, but the cost of these services can sometimes lead to unexpected financial burdens for patients. Nicole Silva’s experience with her daughter’s ambulance ride highlights the challenges that many families face when dealing with surprise bills from ground ambulance services. After her daughter was involved in a car accident near La Jara, Colorado, one of the ambulance companies involved sent Silva a bill for over $3,000, which she couldn’t afford to pay.
In response to stories like Silva’s, state legislators across the country are working to address surprise billing for ground ambulance rides. While the federal No Surprises Act covers air ambulances, ground services are not included, leaving patients vulnerable to high out-of-network bills. States like Utah and North Dakota have passed laws to protect consumers from surprise bills for ground ambulance rides, setting minimum reimbursement rates for insurers to pay.
However, the challenge lies in finding a balance between protecting consumers and avoiding increased health coverage costs for everyone. Legislation in Colorado and Montana faced opposition due to concerns about rising premiums. Governor Jared Polis of Colorado recently vetoed a bill aimed at expanding protections against surprise ambulance bills, citing potential premium increases.
With many Americans covered by self-funded health plans that are not state-regulated, the need for a federal ambulance protection law is crucial. Lobbying efforts by insurance companies have played a role in shaping state legislation on ambulance billing, with concerns about inflated pricing and potential cost increases for consumers. The debate over setting minimum reimbursement rates for ground ambulances continues, with stakeholders weighing the impact on premiums and access to care.
While the push for state-level protections against surprise ambulance bills continues, the ultimate goal is to ensure that all patients have access to emergency services without facing financial hardship. Finding a solution that balances the needs of patients, insurers, and providers is key to creating a fair and sustainable system for ambulance billing.
