Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick is deciding the fate of a bill that would require insurers to pay private ambulance companies for the cost of transport, according to the Gloucester Times.
Ambulance costs first became an issue in 2011, when BlueCross BlueShield of Massachusetts began reimbursing subscribers directly, shifting payment responsibility to the patient, in hopes that private ambulance companies would be incentivized to join their network.
Insurers say that if the bill passes, it could add $80 million to ambulatory costs, and legislators say the bill would impose a rate cap for first time ambulance services.
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Ambulance costs first became an issue in 2011, when BlueCross BlueShield of Massachusetts began reimbursing subscribers directly, shifting payment responsibility to the patient, in hopes that private ambulance companies would be incentivized to join their network.
Insurers say that if the bill passes, it could add $80 million to ambulatory costs, and legislators say the bill would impose a rate cap for first time ambulance services.
More Articles on Healthcare Legislation:
New Jersey Bill Focuses on Healthcare Disclosures & Transparency
New Mass. Law Looks to Curb Healthcare Spending
New Jersey ASC Association Opposes Bill to Expand State Anti-Fraud Legislation