Prohibiting surprise billing of ground emergency medical services by nonparticipating providers

SB 717 prevents surprise billing for ground ambulance services by requiring insurers to pay nonparticipating ambulance providers directly at 400% of Medicare rates (or the provider's billed charge, whichever is lower) within 30 days of receiving a clean claim. It prohibits ambulance providers from billing patients for amounts beyond standard cost-sharing (like copays or deductibles) that would apply if the provider were in-network. The bill applies to health insurance policies issued after January 1, 2026, and covers ground ambulance services (excluding air ambulances) for covered enrollees. Insurers must provide written notice for denied claims, ensuring transparency in payment decisions.