Compromise reached over setting ambulance service rates
Under the proposal, ambulance providers over the next two years will be paid 325% of the federal Medicare rate if they join commercial insurance networks.
During that time, a newly-named commission will study and recommend a fair reimbursement rate for the future based on actual costs.
'We do in fact have a tentative agreement,' said state Sen. David Rochefort, R-Littleton, chairman of the Senate Health Care Committee.
He credited Sen. Sue Prentiss, D-Lebanon, a licensed EMT, with helping to forge this agreement with House Commerce Committee Chairman John Hunt, R-Rindge, who had supported a rate set at 202% of Medicare reimbursement.
'This is a win-win for everybody,' Rochefort said.
During the interim, Prentiss said the state will conduct a second actuarial study to assist the commission in coming up with the right rate schedule.
'We had the first study last year that admittedly had some flaws,' Prentiss said.
Chris Stawasz, regional Director for American Medical Response, credited Gov. Kelly Ayotte with playing a key role in bringing about the agreement.
'Our system has been in financial crisis for some time and this bill will be a lifeline to many of my colleagues, especially those in rural areas of New Hampshire who are struggling the most,' Stawasz said.
If approved, the compromise will get rid of balanced billing, the practice of an ambulance company seeking payment from the patient after insurance fails to come close to covering the costs.
The legislation is sought since 80% of transport is for patients who are either low-income residents getting Medicaid coverage or seniors with Medicare.
Studies confirm Medicare pays about 46% of the actual cost to transport by ambulance, Medicaid about 42%.
Rochefort said this agreement will be added to one of the two competing bills (HB 316, SB 425) on the topic.
What's Next: The House Commerce Committee is scheduled to vote next Tuesday on this compromise once final language is drafted.
Prospects: Given Ayotte's direct involvement, this bill now stands an excellence chance of becoming law.
klandrigan@unionleader.com
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