On July 31, Governor Kelly Ayotte signed into law Senate Bill 245. This bipartisan legislation prohibits “surprise billing” for ground ambulance services and establishes fair reimbursement rates for emergency medical service providers and fire departments in New Hampshire.

“No one should have to face unknown costs when experiencing a medical emergency,” said Governor Ayotte. “In addition to prohibiting surprise billing to protect patients, we’re ensuring our EMS providers and fire departments receive fair reimbursement for their vital services. I thank American Medical Response, our fire and EMS professionals, and the members of the Legislature who came together to find a solution that supports Granite Staters in need and our first responders.”

“For far too long, local fire departments have struggled with payment rates that don’t accurately represent the cost of preparedness and response,” added Chief Mike Sitar, Tilton-Northfield Fire & EMS. “This legislation not only protects the public from devastating unforeseen costs but helps guarantee that firefighters and emergency medical personnel have the means to keep providing life-saving care across the state. We thank Governor Ayotte and the Legislature for their action on this important issue.”

“This new law takes the uncertainty out of ambulance bills for consumers and providers in a fair way. New Hampshire EMS providers can now focus on what they best – providing pre-hospital healthcare – knowing there will be reimbursement predictability and hopefully additional financial stability,” said Chris Stawasz, Northeast Regional Director of Government Affairs for American Medical Response.