OLYMPIA, Wash.- A policy which would prohibit ground ambulance services from sending patients bills for the difference between the amount paid for emergency care and the cost covered by an individual’s insurance plan awaits a final vote in the Washington House.
Senator Annette Cleveland (D), SB 5986’s primary sponsor, articulated the impact of the bill.
“The bill expands existing protections that shield consumers from unexpected costs charged by out-of-network health care providers to include ground ambulance service,” her office said.
The policy passed the State Senate with unanimous support and was recommended for passage by the House Committee on Health Care and Wellness on Feb. 21.
If SB 5986 receives the same level of support in the House as it did in its chamber of origin, then it could make it to Governor Jay Inslee’s desk during this legislative session.
