Alabama Passes Ambulance Billing Reform

0:00It's April 1st. You're listening to Birmingham News today, AI-powered local news. I'm Kori with the story. Alabama lawmakers just passed Senate Bill 269, a big change to how emergency ambulance services get billed and paid. The bill sets clear rules for health insurers to reimburse ground ambulance rides called through 9-1-1 and is now on its way to the Governor's desk. Sponsored by Senator Bobby Singleton and carried in the house by Ed Oliver, the measure got strong backing from groups like the Alabama Association of Ambulance Services. They praised the team for pushing it through both chambers smoothly. For patients, this means no more surprise bills. Even if the ambulance crew is out of network, folks only pay their usual in network share. It tackles those shockingly high costs that hit hard during emergencies. The law also makes ambulance providers and insurers file financial reports with the Alabama Department of Public Health boosting transparency all around.

1:00With these updates aiming for fair billing and less stress on families, the Governor's signature could lock in real protection for Alabama's next. Time may dial 9-1-1.