TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING GROUND AMBULANCE SERVICES; TO CLARIFY THE MINIMUM ALLOWABLE REIMBURSEMENT FOR GROUND AMBULANCE SERVICES; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

House Bill 1850 amends Arkansas law regarding ground ambulance services and their reimbursement by health benefit plans. It clarifies the minimum allowable reimbursement rates for both in-network and out-of-network ambulance providers. Initially, these rates are based on agreements between the ambulance service provider and local government entities. However, starting July 1, 2025, if no such local rates exist, the minimum reimbursement will be the lesser of 325% of the Medicare Ambulance Fee Schedule (Arkansas Rural Rate) or the provider's billed charges. This bill aims to alleviate confusion concerning reimbursement rates for ambulance services.