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HB 4117

Prohibiting surprise billing of ground emergency medical services by nonparticipating providers

2026 Regular Session Introduced by John Paul Hott and 1 co-sponsor

West Virginia prohibits ground emergency ambulance providers outside insurance networks from billing patients surprise charges for emergency transport services.

To House Banking and Insurance
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Bill Summary · HB 4117

Legislative bill overview

HB 4117 prohibits ground emergency medical services (EMS) providers who don't participate in a patient's insurance network from charging unexpected "surprise" bills to patients. The bill aims to protect West Virginia residents from receiving out-of-network charges for emergency ground ambulance services, similar to protections that already exist in other states for air ambulances and hospital services.

Why is this important

Ground ambulance services are critical emergency care that patients cannot shop for or choose, yet out-of-network EMS providers can charge patients substantially more than in-network rates, resulting in bills of hundreds or thousands of dollars. Without this protection, patients face financial hardship through no fault of their own when an emergency ambulance from a non-participating provider transports them.

Potential points of contention

  • EMS provider revenue concerns: Ground ambulance services, particularly in rural areas, may argue that reimbursement rate restrictions could threaten service viability and capacity in underserved regions
  • Insurance network adequacy: The bill's effectiveness depends on insurers maintaining adequate networks of EMS providers, which may be difficult in rural West Virginia
  • Definition and enforcement: Unclear how "nonparticipating providers" will be defined in practice and who enforces compliance when surprise bills occur

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

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