SB 211 prohibits ambulance service providers from billing patients directly for emergency medical services when the provider is out-of-network with the patient's insurance plan. The bill establishes that out-of-network ambulance providers must seek reimbursement from insurance plans rather than patients, protecting South Dakotans from unexpected medical bills for emergency transport services.
The engrossed version reduces the reimbursement rate cap for out-of-network ambulance services from 325% to 275% of the Medicare allowable rate and removes the requirement for the Division of Insurance to compile and post political subdivision rates, instead directing reimbursement payment timelines to follow general insurance payment standards under chapter 58-12. These changes WEAKEN the bill's consumer protections by lowering the maximum reimbursement floor and eliminating the rate transparency mechanism.
Other amendments
Senate Do Pass Amended Failed, YEAS 17, NAYS 16. S.J. 380
Health and Human Services Do Pass Amended Passed, YEAS 5, NAYS 2. S.J. 17
Health and Human Services Motion to amend S.J. 17
Health and Human Services Scheduled for hearing S.J. 1
Senate Prime Sponsor Changed at the Request of the Prime Sponsor S.J. 272
First read in Senate and referred to Senate Health and Human Services S.J. 169
Prime sponsor · Sen.
R
Prime sponsor · Rep.
R
Do Pass Amended
Health and Human Services — Do Pass Amended