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H 5042

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

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jenny Armini and 8 co-sponsors

Bill bars surprise ambulance bills by capping out-of-network emergency transport charges at in-network rates, protecting Massachusetts patients from unexpected medical debt.

Committee recommended bill ought to pass and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 5042

Legislative bill overview

H 5042 protects patients from unexpected out-of-pocket costs when receiving emergency ambulance services by prohibiting "surprise bills"—charges from out-of-network providers that patients cannot anticipate or control. The bill establishes protections ensuring patients are not billed at rates exceeding what in-network providers would charge for the same emergency transport services.

Why is this important

Emergency ambulance services are often monopolized by single providers in geographic areas, leaving patients with no choice of provider during medical crises. Ambulance companies have historically sent surprise bills to patients months after transport, sometimes costing hundreds to thousands of dollars even with insurance coverage. This bill addresses a genuine gap in consumer protections that exists in most states' surprise billing regulations.

Potential points of contention

  • Ambulance service funding impact: Restricting out-of-network billing rates may reduce revenue for private ambulance operators and rural services, potentially affecting service quality, response times, or operational viability in less profitable areas
  • Rate-setting mechanism: The bill's reliance on in-network rates as a benchmark may create disputes about what constitutes a "reasonable" rate, and could incentivize insurers to negotiate artificially low rates
  • Insurance coverage gaps: Protections only benefit insured patients; uninsured and underinsured individuals may still face significant bills, leaving the most vulnerable populations partially unprotected

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

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