Residents raise concerns about ambulance bills and urge Hancock County to back 'Aiden's Law'

During the public-comment period at the Feb. 2 meeting, residents raised concerns about ambulance billing practices and urged the board to consider a local resolution supporting traffic‑safety measures known as "Aiden's Law."

A resident identified as Clarence told the board he had been transported from Bay St. Louis to Slidell and received a bill he described as "like $33,800," questioned base fees and a charge of $55 per mile, and asked whether the county pays or otherwise regulates those fees under its contract with the ambulance provider. County staff responded that most ambulance payments come from payers (insurance, Medicare, Medicaid), that a small statutory stipend is allowed, and that detailed contract terms vary and are part of the procurement/RFP process.

Another speaker urged the board to put Hancock County on record in support of Aiden's Law, noting that neighboring counties and several others have passed resolutions. The speaker referenced pending Senate bills and recent committee action and cited statewide traffic‑fatality statistics as reasons to act; he urged the board to consider a resolution or other formal support to encourage legislative changes.

Board members acknowledged the comments and discussed procedural limits on county authority over private ambulance billing and the role of state statute and contracts in setting local terms. No formal action on ambulance billing or a resolution for Aiden's Law was recorded during the meeting; the items were presented as public comment for board consideration.