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H 1261

An Act protecting patients from surprise bills related to emergency ambulance service

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Brady and 6 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill prohibits surprise out-of-network ambulance bills during emergencies, protecting patients from unexpected costs when they cannot choose providers.

Hearing scheduled for 10/27/2025 from 10:30 AM-04:00 PM in Gardner Auditorium
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Bill Summary · H 1261

Legislative bill overview

H 1261 would protect Massachusetts patients from unexpected out-of-network charges for emergency ambulance services. The bill aims to regulate billing practices when patients use ambulance services during medical emergencies, addressing situations where patients may receive bills from ambulance providers not covered by their insurance.

Why is this important

Emergency ambulance services are time-sensitive and patients have no ability to comparison shop or select in-network providers during a crisis. Surprise medical bills from ambulances can impose significant financial burdens on vulnerable patients and families already dealing with health emergencies, similar to surprise billing problems that exist in emergency room and hospital services.

Potential points of contention

  • Ambulance provider compensation: Private ambulance services may argue that billing restrictions could reduce their revenue and compromise service quality or availability, particularly in rural areas
  • Insurance network adequacy: Questions about whether insurers have sufficient ambulance provider networks and whether mandates should apply equally to all insurance plans
  • Implementation complexity: Defining what constitutes "emergency" services and establishing fair reimbursement rates that work across different ambulance providers and insurance companies

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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