HB 447 — AN ACT relating to coverage for emergency ground ambulance services.

Summary

Create a new section of Subtitle 17A of KRS Chapter 304 to require coverage for emergency ground ambulance services; establish minimum allowable reimbursement for out-of-network emergency ground ambulance services; establish requirements for reimbursement of out-of-network ground ambulance providers; prohibit balance billing by out-of-network ground ambulance providers; establish construction clause in the event of conflicts; amend KRS 18A.225 to require the state employee health plan to comply with emergency ground ambulance coverage and payment requirements; provide that Act applies to health benefit plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2027; EFFECTIVE January 1, 2027.

Bill Text

• Introduced View text Current pdf

Compared against the Kentucky Revised Statutes as published AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill amends KRS 18A.225 to require health benefit plans to cover emergency ground ambulance services and establishes conditions for reimbursement to out-of-network providers.

• KRS 18A.225

  A NEW SECTION OF SUBTITLE 17A OF KRS CHAPTER 304 IS CREATED TO READ AS FOLLOWS: ... shall include coverage for emergency ground ambulance services provided by an out-of-network ground ambulance provider; ...

  The bill adds a new section to Kentucky statutes mandating that health benefit plans cover emergency ground ambulance services.

• KRS 18A.225

  12. Not impose cost sharing for emergency ground ambulance services provided by an out-of-network ground ambulance provider that exceeds the cost sharing imposed by the plan for emergency ground ambulance services that are not provided by an out-of-network ground ambulance provider.

  The bill restricts cost sharing for emergency ambulance services to align with in-network services.

• KRS 18A.225

  The minimum allowable reimbursement under any health benefit plan to an out-of-network ground ambulance provider for emergency ground ambulance services shall be: ...

  The bill establishes a minimum reimbursement rate for out-of-network ground ambulance providers.

• KRS 18A.225

  In the event of a conflict between this section and any other law, other than KRS 304.17A-099, this section shall control.

  The bill clarifies that the new provisions take precedence over conflicting laws regarding emergency ground ambulance service coverage.

Action History

1. January 29, 2026

   to Banking & Insurance (H)

2. January 21, 2026

   to Committee on Committees (H)

3. January 21, 2026

   introduced in House

Sponsors

• Wade Williams · Primary
• Richard White · Primary
• Mitch Whitaker · Primary
• Bill Wesley · Primary
• Ken Upchurch · Primary
• Timmy Truett · Primary
• Walker Thomas · Primary
• Tom Smith · Primary
• Steve Riley · Primary
• Amy Neighbors · Primary
• Bobby McCool · Primary
• Candy Massaroni · Primary
• Scott Lewis · Primary
• Derek Lewis · Primary
• Mary Beth Imes · Primary
• Mark Hart · Primary
• Tony Hampton · Primary
• David Hale · Primary
• Deanna Gordon · Primary
• Chris Fugate · Primary
• Chris Freeland · Primary
• Ken Fleming · Primary
• Patrick Flannery · Primary
• Daniel Fister · Primary
• Robert Duvall · Primary
• Ryan Dotson · Primary
• Emily Callaway · Primary
• Steve Bratcher · Primary
• John Blanton · Primary
• Ryan Bivens · Primary
• Chad Aull · Primary
• Rebecca Raymer · Primary

Subjects