WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 799

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

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Brady and 5 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill requiring advance cost transparency for emergency ambulance services and limiting surprise bills to protect patients from unexpected out-of-network charges.

Committee recommended ought to pass and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 799

Legislative bill overview

S 799 aims to prevent surprise medical bills for emergency ambulance services in Massachusetts by requiring advance transparency about costs and limiting out-of-network charges to patients. The bill protects residents from unexpected financial burdens when emergency medical transport is necessary, addressing a gap in existing surprise billing protections that often exclude ambulance services.

Why is this important

Emergency ambulance services can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars, and patients have no ability to choose providers or negotiate rates during medical emergencies. Many residents face substantial bills after discovering their ambulance service was out-of-network, creating financial hardship and deterring people from calling for needed emergency care.

Potential points of contention

  • Rural ambulance funding impact: Limiting reimbursement rates could strain already underfunded rural ambulance services, potentially affecting response times or service availability in less densely populated areas
  • Definitional scope: Questions about which services qualify as "emergency" and how to distinguish between true emergencies and non-emergency transport that patients might misuse to avoid costs
  • Insurance market effects: Requirements for advance cost transparency may be operationally complex for insurers and ambulance providers to implement, potentially increasing administrative costs

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

Sign in to ask a question.