The bill establishes new requirements for health care insurers in Alabama regarding reimbursement rates for ground ambulance services. It mandates that insurers contract with any willing emergency medical service provider, ensuring reimbursement rates of at least 200% of the Medicare Ambulance Fee Schedule for in-network providers and 180% for out-of-network providers. The legislation prohibits emergency medical service providers from billing enrollees for any additional amounts beyond their in-network cost-sharing amounts, thereby ensuring that payments made under these rates constitute payment in full for covered services. Additionally, the bill imposes strict timelines for insurers to process claims and mandates clear communication regarding claim statuses.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new reporting requirements for health care insurers and emergency medical service providers. Starting in 2027, insurers must submit detailed reports to the Alabama Department of Public Health regarding claims for reimbursement, including metrics on denied claims and out-of-pocket charges. The Alabama Association of Ambulance Services is also tasked with contracting a business school to study the effects of these regulations, with a report due by December 1, 2028. The act amends existing laws to incorporate these new reporting requirements and is set to take effect on October 1, 2026, with a repeal date of June 1, 2029.

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