MS HB1489

Requires health benefit plans to cover ambulance services initiated by 911 calls that treat or assess enrollees in place, triage enrollees, or transport them to alternative destinations (federally qualified health centers, urgent care, physician offices, behavioral health facilities) effective July 1, 2024.

Coverage is subject to plan deductibles and co-payments, applies only to services originating from documented 911 calls, and does not limit other benefits under the health plan.

Sets minimum reimbursement for in-network ambulance providers at the advanced life support rate with mileage to the scene.

Establishes minimum reimbursement for out-of-network ambulance providers at the greater of 325% of Medicare's rural reimbursement rate or the provider's billed charges, unless local government contracts specify different rates.

Section 2 provisions regarding out-of-network reimbursement rates expire June 30, 2028; all requirements apply to contracts entered into or renewed on or after July 1, 2024.