This bill aims to protect patients from surprise billing related to emergency ambulance services by establishing clear payment protocols and limitations for both insured and uninsured individuals. It amends Chapter 176O of the General Laws to require insurance carriers to pay ambulance service providers directly for emergency services rendered, regardless of any assignment prohibitions in the insured's policy. The payment must be at rates established by the municipality or, in the absence of such rates, at a minimum of 325% of the current Medicare rate for similar services. Additionally, ambulance service providers are prohibited from billing the insured beyond the established payment, except for a maximum cost-sharing requirement of $100.

Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions to protect uninsured patients from excessive charges, limiting their payment to the current Medicare rate for emergency ambulance services. It also restricts ambulance service providers from using aggressive collection tactics, such as wage garnishments or civil actions, to recover unpaid bills. Lastly, the bill mandates that hospitals and nursing homes share patient insurance and demographic information with ambulance service providers to facilitate proper billing and service coordination.