New Hampshire lawmakers are moving to address surprise ambulance billing with proposed legislation that would prohibit insurers from charging patients the balance between what their insurance covers and what ambulance services bill.
The bill would mandate that insurers reimburse for ground emergency ambulance services directly to non-participating ambulance providers at rates set by local governments or, if no rate is established, 325% of the Medicare rate for the relevant geographic area. The rate would be considered a full payment, except for any applicable copays, coinsurance, or deductibles required by the plan.
If passed, payers would be banned from requiring non-participating ambulance providers to obtain prior authorization for emergency services, including unscheduled transport to hospitals or other facilities. Services provided under local government protocols or at the request of a clinician or first responder would be considered medically necessary.
The legislation would not extend to air ambulance services. If passed, it would take effect in 2026.
