TO AMEND THE TRANSPORTATION BENEFIT MANAGER ACT; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

Ambulance billing protections shrink; payment safeguards grow

Arkansas law removes the required ambulance payment rate of 250% of the Medicare Ambulance Fee Schedule rural rate. It also removes requirements that providers accept that amount as full payment and not bill patients beyond plan-required cost-sharing. The law sets no replacement rate. Contracting entities must pay claims for previously authorized ambulance services within 30 days after receiving them. Exceptions apply when services were not performed or specific information available for state or federal review indicates material misrepresentation, fraud, or abuse by the patient or provider. Authorized or payment-guaranteed services are protected from audit repayment demands unless prior authorization is rescinded or reversed. Providers must include information required by the Insurance Commissioner in their claims. Beginning July 1, 2025, the Arkansas Ambulance Association must collect rates approved or contracted between ambulance providers and local governments. It must submit that information annually to the Commissioner. The emergency clause makes the law effective upon the Governor’s approval, expiration of the veto period without action, or the final legislative vote overriding a veto.