$100 cap on ambulance rides - new recommendation would end surprise billing for patients

The CBS News Texas I-Team has been shining a light on the problem of surprise ambulance bills for more than two years.

[@KeshaAustin]

This is such a blessing that this conversation has even gotten to this step. Thank you Lord!! 🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@Carred20]

"For many it's life saving, no doubt about it." Uh no. Data collected from numerous EMS Agencies show that only roughly 5% of 911 ambulance transports require life saving pre-hospital intervention. The majority of the other percentage could be safely transported by private vehicle or ride-share, especially true in urban areas where call volume is high. An even larger majority can safely be cared for by a primary care physician or urgent care but still choose the hospital. Billing is expensive because of the frequency of patients in low income areas not paying for services provided. This increases running cost as the ambulance has no way of recovering that money. The company then has to increase prices to hope that the people who can pay will keep them aloft. "But Medicare/Medicaid" - I hear you say. They only reimburse about 20 cents for every dollar that is actually used on a call. Just another reason that the billed price starts so high. It's a broken system but it isn't EMS Agencies fault. They do what they have to just to stay afloat. Blame the rampant abuse and misuse of healthcare, hospitals and the 911 system. This isn't a full in depth look of the actual issue but is a quick peek. The issue isn't just "Force the ambulance to get less money." Then you won't have any EMS at all. Few states even consider EMS an essential service like police and fire are. 🤷