TN lawmakers advance bill protecting against ‘surprise billing’ from ambulance services

From Local 3 News: The Tennessee House of Representatives passed a bill blocking ambulance companies from "surprise billing" insured individuals who use the service.

House Bill 1061 keeps out-of-network ambulance providers from balance billing patients.

This means those providers cannot charge patients the remaining balance for emergency transportation that was not covered by their health insurance.

The bill was unanimously passed by the House 94-0. It now heads to a Senate committee for a vote on April 7.

If passed, the law would go into effect on July 1, 2026.

HB 1061 states that patients would pay the same amount as if the ambulance were in-network.

“When you call 911, your focus should be on getting the critical help you need, not worrying about whether the ambulance is in-network," said Rep. Greg Vital, the bill's sponsor.

He adds that patients are not able to choose their ambulance provider during an emergency, and that the bill provides greater protection for patients during a crisis.