Alabama Bill Aims to End Surprise Ambulance Bills

0:00What's up? I'm Corey, and these are your headlines from Birmingham News today. A bill in the Alabama legislature aims to stop surprise ambulance bills and increase payments to ambulance services. Senate Bill 269 would prevent providers from charging patients more than their in-network share, no matter if the service is in or out of. Network. It also sets a minimum reimbursement rate for insurers at least 200% of the federal Medicare rate. Alabama currently pays ambulance services the lowest rate in the country from commercial insurers, just 140% of Medicare, neighboring states like Mississippi sit at 325% and Georgia is pushing for 400%. Supporters note this bill would still fall below the national average. Ambulance leaders, after five years of work, say the changes will save lives and shield families from huge unexpected bills after emergencies like car. Rex, they base cost estimates on real data from providers statewide. The bill adds a tree-in-place option, letting crews get paid for caring

1:03for stable patients on scene instead of always rushing to hospitals. That could ease ambulance shortages and cut hospital backups from unnecessary trips. Opponents, including the Alabama Farmers Federation, warn it could hike insurance premiums for struggling families. Backers push back, estimating just 60 cents more per month, per policy. The measure passed the Senate last week and heads to the house next. This episode is proudly sponsored by our partner. Comfort, you can hear, sound you can relax into. S-O-L-I-SOLY-PILLOW.com