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Committee advances bill to set minimum out‑of‑network ambulance reimbursement and create database
Summary
Senate Bill 10 67, which sets an allowable reimbursement rate for out‑of‑network ambulance services and calls for a database to publish contracted rates, cleared committee 10‑2 after the sponsor said the measure addresses an absence of data municipalities need to pay providers.
Senator Rosino presented Senate Bill 10 67, describing the measure as an attempt to resolve disputes between ambulance providers and insurers over out‑of‑network reimbursement rates. The sponsor said the bill provides a minimal allowable reimbursement rate and establishes a database to publish contracted rates, citing problems that arose when the statute went into effect Jan. 1 but there was no central database for contracted rates.
The sponsor said negotiations with insurers and providers produced little agreement and that the bill represents a compromise. He said Medicaid had previously set a rate at $325 and that the bill would set an adjusted figure of $275 while creating the database; he acknowledged providers wanted more but said the database is a priority so municipalities can determine proper payment when contracts are not readily accessible.
Committee members asked how the bill would affect already‑signed contracts; the sponsor said insurers requested a Jan. 1 effective date because plans change at the calendar year and that the database is intended to address municipalities’ inability to access contracted rates. The sponsor characterized the projected premium impact as small ("anywhere approximately from $3 to $5 a month" on average across insured individuals).
After debate the committee voted 10 ayes and 2 nays and the chair declared Senate Bill 10 67 passed. The sponsor said he had worked extensively with both insurers and providers and that the bill represents a compromise that will increase ambulance payments relative to current levels while providing transparency.
