The bill amends the Transportation Benefit Manager Act to clarify the payment process for ambulance services. It stipulates that contracting entities must pay claims for authorized ambulance services within thirty days of receipt, unless there is evidence of fraud or misrepresentation. The previous requirement for healthcare insurers or transportation benefit managers to pay a specific percentage of the Medicare Ambulance Fee Schedule has been removed, along with related provisions that mandated ambulance providers to accept this payment as full compensation and prohibited balance billing.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new requirement for the Arkansas Ambulance Association to collect rates approved or contracted between ambulance providers and local government entities starting July 1, 2025. This information must be submitted annually to the commissioner. An emergency clause is included, stating the necessity of the bill to resolve conflicts regarding reimbursement rates for ambulance services, which has caused confusion among providers, insurers, and the State Insurance Department. The act will take effect immediately upon approval by the Governor or after the veto period if not acted upon.

Statutes affected:
HB 1863: 23-99-1705, 23-99-1706
Act 836: 23-99-1705, 23-99-1706