Bill
SB 645
SB 645 prohibits surprise billing for ground ambulance services by requiring nonparticipating providers to charge in-network rates during emergencies when patients cannot select their provider.
SB 645 prohibits "surprise billing" when patients receive ground emergency medical services (ambulances) from providers who don't participate in their insurance network. The bill requires that patients be charged only in-network rates when they cannot choose their ambulance provider due to medical emergencies, even if the service is delivered by a nonparticipating provider.
Ground ambulance services often operate as monopolies in specific geographic areas, leaving patients with no choice of provider during emergencies. Without protections, patients can receive substantial out-of-network bills after transport, sometimes exceeding several thousand dollars. This bill protects vulnerable patients from unexpected financial harm during medical crises.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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