The proposed bill establishes new reimbursement requirements for health care insurers in Alabama regarding ground ambulance services, mandating that insurers contract with any willing emergency medical service provider. Effective January 1, 2027, reimbursement rates must be at least 200% of the Medicare Ambulance Fee Schedule for in-network providers and 180% for out-of-network providers. Payments made under these rates will be considered full payment for covered services, preventing emergency medical service providers from billing enrollees for additional amounts beyond their in-network cost-sharing. The bill also introduces new reporting requirements for both insurers and emergency medical service providers, aimed at enhancing transparency and ensuring fair compensation.

Additionally, the bill requires emergency medical service providers to submit annual reports to the Alabama Department of Public Health starting in 2027, detailing operational data and financial information. Insurers will also need to report on claims for reimbursement, including denied claims and total amounts paid, with confidentiality assured. The Alabama Association of Ambulance Services is tasked with contracting an accredited business school to study the impact of these regulations, with findings due by December 1, 2028. The bill amends existing laws to incorporate these new requirements and is set to take effect on October 1, 2026, with provisions repealed on June 1, 2029.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 27-1-17
Engrossed: 27-1-17