N.H. Insurance Dept. Unveils Report Detailing Comprehensive Plan for Ground Ambulance Services
Today, the
The landscape of ground ambulance services in
"At the heart of our recommendations is the belief that all Granite Staters should have access to reliable and affordable ground ambulance services," said New Hampshire Insurance Commissioner DJ Bettencourt. "Our proposals are designed to strike a balance between adequately funding these services, protecting consumers from undue financial burdens, and promoting efficiency and innovation within the system."
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Key recommendations put forth by the NHID include:
Prohibition on Balance Billing: The NHID recommends enacting legislation to prohibit ground ambulance providers from balance billing patients, thereby shielding consumers from unexpected and often exorbitant medical bills. This measure aims to ensure that patients can access emergency medical services without fear of facing financial hardship.
Direct Payment to Providers: Insurers would be required to directly reimburse ambulance providers certified by Medicare and licensed by the state, streamlining the payment process and ensuring prompt compensation for services rendered. By eliminating delays and administrative burdens associated with reimbursement, this measure enhances the financial stability of ambulance providers and facilitates timely access to care for patients.
Data Collection and Analysis: The Department recommends the establishment of a robust cost and revenue reporting program for ground ambulance providers, allowing for informed decision-making and ongoing market analysis to inform policy development. By collecting comprehensive data on costs and revenues, policymakers can gain insights into the financial health of ambulance services and identify areas for improvement.
Out-of-Network Default Rate Schedule: The report calls for the creation of a default rate schedule to ensure fair and reasonable reimbursement for ground ambulance services, taking into account market dynamics and the need for sustainability. This measure provides a transparent framework for determining reimbursement rates, promoting equity and consistency across the healthcare system.
Continued Monitoring and Adjustment: Commitment to ongoing evaluation and adjustment of the rate schedule to maintain fairness and address any unforeseen impacts on ambulance providers is key. By monitoring market dynamics and provider performance, policymakers can adapt the reimbursement framework to ensure its effectiveness and sustainability over time.
Creation of a Commission or Study Committee: The NHID suggests establishing a commission to explore additional avenues for improving ground ambulance services, such as expanding
The NHID emphasizes the importance of implementing these recommendations as a cohesive package to achieve meaningful and lasting reform. Stakeholders, including ground ambulance providers, insurers, policymakers, and the public, are encouraged to engage in dialogue and contribute to the advancement of these critical reforms.
"The recommendations outlined in this report represent a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to ensure the sustainability and accessibility of ground ambulance services in
"The NHID's recommendations reflect a comprehensive and thoughtful approach to addressing the complex issues confronting ground ambulance services in our state," said Deputy Insurance Commissioner
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The New Hampshire Insurance Department Can Help
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REPORT: https://www.nh.gov/insurance/reports/documents/nhid-ambulance-summit-final-report-20240319.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.nh.gov/insurance/media/pr/2024/documents/20240321-ambulance-report.pdf
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