Georgia Legislature Passes Bill to Cap Ambulance Costs, Awaits Governor's Signature
The Georgia General Assembly has passed House Bill 506, known as the 'Surprise Billing Consumer Protection Act,' which aims to cap the costs of ambulance rides for insured individuals. The bill, which was sent to Governor Brian Kemp for approval, proposes that insurance costs for ambulance rides requested by first responders be indexed to a multiple of Medicare rates. This measure ensures that the same copayment, coinsurance, or deductible applies regardless of whether the ambulance service is within the insurer's network. The bill also mandates that ambulance companies bill insurance providers directly, rather than requiring patients to pay upfront. The legislation, initially a tobacco cessation measure, was adapted to address ambulance billing issues. It follows a similar bill, House Bill 961, which passed the House but stalled in the Senate. HB 506, however, successfully passed both legislative chambers, with the Senate approving it unanimously. 
