Relative to billing for ambulance services.
If enacted, HB373 will change existing laws governing ambulance billing and payment practices. Specifically, the bill seeks to limit the fees charged for ambulance services to a commercially reasonable value, which will be determined based on payments for similar services from New Hampshire's insurance carriers. In the event of discrepancies over fees, the insurance commissioner will have exclusive jurisdiction to adjudicate such matters. This legislative change is anticipated to impact how both private and public safety agencies bill for their services, bringing greater clarity and fairness to the billing process.
House Bill 373 (HB373) aims to reform the billing practices for ambulance services, particularly concerning balance billing under the managed care law in New Hampshire. The bill prohibits ambulance service providers from issuing balance bills to patients who are covered by managed care plans for emergency medical services. Instead, it mandates that insurers reimburse ambulance providers directly, providing a framework for reasonable reimbursement based on comparable rates within the state. This aims to protect consumers from unexpected medical bills during emergencies when they are most vulnerable.
The bill has garnered discussions regarding its potential impact on insurance premiums and municipal revenues. While it aims to enhance consumer protections, there are concerns about how the definitions of 'commercially reasonable value' will be established and enforced, particularly in rural areas where service costs may differ significantly. Stakeholders like the New Hampshire Municipal Association suggest that the bill could affect local funding mechanisms for ambulance services, as a significant portion is traditionally sourced from local taxes. This could lead to budgetary challenges as municipalities might need to mediate disputes between insurers and providers.
The Insurance Department's projections regarding the fiscal implications of HB373 remain uncertain, as it suggests that a full actuarial study is required to gauge its effects on insurance premiums and revenue streams. The bill's implementation could potentially alter the financial landscape for emergency medical services, with ripple effects on health care spending at both state and local levels.