On May 21, WAS INS proposed rule to update balance billing law.
WAS INS proposed rule to implement bill SSB 5986, prohibit surprise ambulance bills.
SSB5986 was signed into law on Mar. 19, 2024 and becomes effective on Jun. 6, 2024.
Proposed Rule
Bill SSB 5986 prohibits balance billing aka surprise billing for out-of-network ground ambulance services and transport provided for medical, behavioral health emergency.
Current proposal updates Balance billing protection act (BBPA), (WAS INS 284-43B).
Revises BBPA to include ground ambulance balance billing protections per SSB 5986.
Also, updates BBPA arbitration process and arbitrator fees during dispute resolution.
Consultation
Comments on proposed rule are requested by Fri., Jun. 21, 2024.
Oct. 22, 2024 WAS INS State Register Proposal
On Oct. 22, 2024, WAS INS reported rule proposal was filed in the State register.
Regarding proposed rule on implementation of SSB 5986 and updates to the BBPA.
Redline version of proposed amendments are included with notice of proposed rule.
Document dated Oct. 22, 2024, received from WAS INS Nov. 5, summarized Nov. 7.
Dec. 13, 2024 WAS INS Permanent Rules
On Dec. 13, 2024, WAS INS adopted proposed amendments, effective Dec. 28, 2024.
Final rule amended definitions, create statutes as to balance billing prohibitions.
Also defined cost sharing for consumers for ambulances, municipal contracts with private ground ambulance, issuer obligations to meet network access standards.
Regulators
WAS INS
Entity Types
Ins
Reference
WAS SR No. 24-24, RF 24-24-065, 12/13/2024; RF WSR 24-21-152, 10/22/2024; RF WSR 24-111-1117, CR-101, R2024-01, 5/21/2024; Bill, SSB5986, HB2285, 3/19/2024; Citation: WAS INS 284-43B;
