The proposed legislation, known as the "Transportation Benefit Manager Act," aims to regulate contracts and claims procedures for ambulance services in Arkansas. It introduces a new subchapter under Arkansas Code Title 23, Chapter 99, which includes definitions for key terms such as "ambulance," "ambulance provider," "transportation benefit manager," and "prior authorization." The Act stipulates that ambulance providers may contract with entities for ambulance services but are not required to participate as in-network providers for transportation benefit managers. Additionally, it outlines that prior authorization is not required for emergent ambulance transportation, while non-urgent services may require it.

Furthermore, the Act mandates that contracting entities must pay claims for authorized ambulance services within 30 days, and establishes a payment structure that requires healthcare insurers or transportation benefit managers to pay ambulance providers 250% of the Medicare Ambulance Fee Schedule. It also prohibits balance billing by ambulance providers, ensuring that subscribers are only responsible for deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance as specified in their health benefit plans. The legislation includes provisions for enforcement and rule-making by the Insurance Commissioner to ensure compliance with the new regulations.