Ambulance emergency: Time to remedy ambulance surprise billing
Patients who need emergency transportation have a 50% chance of being exposed to an ambulance surprise bill. PIRG hosted a webinar with experts working to solve this problem on the state and federal level. By the end of July 2024, the final report from the federal Ground Ambulance and Patient Billing Advisory Committee will be sent to Congress. Meanwhile states have been busy passing their own laws to prove solutions can work. This robust discussion included a review of one state ambulance law (Washington) and what we hope Congress will do to solve the problem of ambulance surprise billing.
MODERATOR:
Ritu Sahni, M.D., M.P.H., Emergency physician, Medical Director for Clackamas County EMS and Washington County EMS
SPEAKERS:
Patricia Kelmar, Senior Director, Health Care Campaigns, PIRG
Asbel Montes, Chair of the federal Ground Ambulance & Patient Billing Advisory Committee
Jane Beyer, Sr. Health Policy Advisor, Washington State Office of Insurance Commissioner
Questions covered in the webinar:
- Why are so many patients at risk of potentially receiving ambulance surprise bills?
- What are states doing to solve the problem?
- Why are state solutions not enough?
- What recommendations are included in the federal report being sent to Congress soon?
- What challenges will Congress face when solving this issue?
The one hour conversation included presentations, a panel discussion, and answers to questions from attendees. The content is recommended for advocates, the media and state legislative and Congressional staff.
Click on the article below to watch the webinar recording!