STATEHOUSE (April 19, 2024) – Gov. Eric Holcomb recently signed legislation authored by State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) into law that will shield Hoosiers from receiving surprise bills from out-of-network ambulance providers.
According to a report by Health Affairs, about 28% of emergency trips in a ground ambulance resulted in a potential surprise bill. Barrett said this law will require health insurance companies to reimburse for ambulance services that are not part of a person's coverage plan.
"Surprise ambulance bills can add unnecessary stress to an already difficult situation," Barrett said. "With this new law, we're putting protections in place to ensure that patients aren't blindsided by large bills and making sure ambulance providers are compensated fairly."
Going forward, Barrett said those who use an out-of-network ambulance service will be protected from having to pay more for that service than their in-network rate plus either their deductible or copay. Out-of-network ambulance providers must now accept either the patient's in-network rate plus their deductible or copay, or the 400% of the Medicare rate for those services.
Currently, there is no set time frame in which an ambulance service must receive payment from health plan providers. Under the new law, service providers must receive payment within 30 days of the claim being filed.
To learn more about House Enrolled Act 1385, which will take effect in July 2025, and follow other legislation signed into law by the governor, visit in.gov/gov/newsroom/2024-bill-watch.
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State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) represents House District 56,
which includes all of Wayne County and a portion of Henry County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
