North Dakota House Bill HB1322

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/25
• Refer: 1/13/25
• Report Pass: 2/24/25
• Engrossed: 2/25/25
• Refer: 3/7/25
• Report Pass: 4/2/25
• Enrolled: 4/24/25
• Passed: 4/29/25

Caption

Emergency medical services communication; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide an appropriation.

Impact

This legislation is expected to significantly impact state laws regarding ambulance services and healthcare insurance coverage. By establishing clear reimbursement procedures for ambulance services, it will prevent substantial out-of-pocket costs for patients who receive services from out-of-network providers. The requirement for health care insurers to pay directly to service providers aims to streamline payment processes and ensure timely compensation. Furthermore, the introduction of a legislative management study on delinquent billing reimbursement suggests an ongoing commitment to assess and enhance the financial framework supporting ambulance services.

Summary

House Bill 1322 aims to amend and enact provisions regarding ambulance service balanced billing and provider reimbursement in North Dakota. The bill introduces regulations that prohibit ambulance service providers from charging more than what a covered individual would be responsible for paying if they had accessed services from a participating provider. This aims to protect patients from unexpected charges and balance the reimbursement process between providers and insurers. Additionally, the bill delineates communication protocols for emergency services operations, reinforcing the standards set by the Department of Emergency Services for effective response mechanisms in emergencies.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 1322 appears to be largely positive among stakeholders involved in emergency medical services, as it seeks to protect patients and standardize billing practices. Supporters argue that it is a progressive step toward ensuring that emergency services are accessible and financially manageable for patients. In contrast, some concerns may arise from insurance companies regarding the impact on their payment structures and the potential increase in operational costs associated with adhering to the new regulations.

Contention

Although the bill has garnered general support, there may be points of contention related to the reimbursement rates for out-of-network services. The stipulation that insurers must pay ambulance providers either 250% of the Medicare reimbursement rate or the provider's billed charges could lead to debates about the financial viability of ambulance services, especially in rural areas where service providers may struggle to meet operational costs. The legislation also proposes further studies, indicating a willingness to engage in ongoing discussions about the efficacy and breadth of the regulations introduced by the bill.