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Council raises BLS ambulance charge to match state policy; balance billing limited
Summary
Following new state law limiting balance billing, the Town Council raised the Basic Life Support ambulance charge to $1,552.62 (325% of Medicare), effective Jan. 1, 2026, and approved steps to enter network agreements with major insurers.
The council voted unanimously on Jan. 14 to increase the town’s Basic Life Support ambulance billing rate to $1,552.62, aligning Bedford with the state’s temporary guidance — 325% of current Medicare reimbursement levels — that accompanies limits on balance billing. Town staff explained that the law directs insurers to pay providers directly, and towns must take steps to enter network agreements with major commercial carriers.
Town staff said most of the town’s current ambulance charges already exceed the new 325% level; the requested change affects the BLS charge so the town can be reimbursed within the framework set by the legislature. The increase was adopted retroactive to Jan. 1, 2026, and the council recorded a 7–0 vote.
