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Bill

SB 245

prohibiting surprise ambulance billing and regulating ground ambulance reimbursement.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Sue Prentiss

New Hampshire prohibits surprise ambulance billing and regulates ground ambulance reimbursement with implementation between 2026-2030.

V. Remainder Effective 07/31/2025
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 245

Legislative bill overview

SB 245 prohibits surprise ambulance billing in New Hampshire and establishes regulations for ground ambulance reimbursement rates. The bill creates transparency requirements for ambulance services and sets staggered implementation dates across multiple years, with key provisions taking effect between 2026 and 2030.

Why is this important

Ambulance services frequently generate unexpected out-of-network bills for patients, sometimes costing thousands of dollars even when patients have no choice in provider selection during emergencies. This bill addresses a significant healthcare cost surprise that disproportionately affects emergency patients who cannot shop for services or negotiate rates beforehand.

Potential points of contention

  • Rural ambulance service sustainability: Reimbursement rate regulations could strain smaller, volunteer-dependent ambulance services in rural areas that already operate on thin margins, potentially affecting response times or service availability
  • Delayed implementation timeline: The staggered effective dates (ranging from 2026-2030) create a multi-year transition period that leaves patients vulnerable to surprise bills in the interim and creates compliance uncertainty for providers
  • Rate-setting methodology: The bill's approach to determining "reasonable" reimbursement rates may not adequately account for regional cost variations, operational expenses, or capital equipment needs for different ambulance services

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

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