10/22/2026
đźš‘ PROTECT PATIENTS. KEEP EMERGENCY CARE READY.
When someone calls 911, their concern should be getting help—not whether an ambulance is in their insurance network or what unexpected bill might follow.
County Ambulance supports Massachusetts legislation that would protect patients from surprise emergency ground ambulance bills while helping sustain the services our communities rely on.
The proposal outlined in H.1261/S.799 would prohibit balance billing for covered emergency ambulance services and cap cost-sharing at $100 for insured patients covered by the legislation, credited toward their in-network deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. Insurers would pay ambulance providers directly and promptly, keeping patients out of payment disputes.
The proposal also addresses uninsured and self-pay patients by limiting emergency ambulance charges to the applicable Medicare rate and prohibiting collection practices such as wage garnishment, liens on primary residences, adverse credit reporting and civil collection actions.
Transparency matters, too. Municipalities would report established ambulance rates annually to the Center for Health Information and Analysis, which would publish those rates for public review.
These protections belong alongside a sustainable payment system. Ambulance readiness requires trained professionals, maintained vehicles, medical equipment, medications and continuing education—even when no sirens are sounding.
Here in Berkshire County, protecting access to dependable emergency care is essential. Patients deserve financial protections, and communities need ambulance services prepared to respond.
County Ambulance is proud to support legislation that puts patient protection and reliable emergency care together.
Please contact your Massachusetts state representative and senator and encourage them to advance emergency ground ambulance billing reform.
