AURORA – Three years after a constituent brought a “surprise” ambulance bill to State Senator Linda Holmes’ attention, legislation to change how those charges are classified was signed into law Friday.

“Most people with health insurance understand medical tests or procedures may require pre-certification to ensure they are covered with their plan,” Holmes (D-Aurora) said. “But if you or a loved one is in critical condition and needs an ambulance, it wouldn’t even cross your mind that the ambulance might cost you more than any other services you receive at the hospital.”

A resident in Sen. Holmes’ district contacted her regarding a 2022 health insurance claim that didn’t make sense. The woman fell ill and required transport by ambulance to the nearest hospital. After the woman was home recovering and the bills started arriving, she was shocked when the ambulance bill was higher than the final hospital bill.

Holmes championed House Bill 2785 to add “ground ambulance” to the definition of emergency services so they are treated and covered like any other emergency service for billing purposes. The federal No Surprise Act of 2020 did away with surprise billing from out-of-network air ambulances, but did not address ground ambulances.

The new law also requires the Illinois Department of Public Health to gather information from ground ambulance providers on average charges and descriptions, publish, and update this information annually. The Illinois Department of Insurance will then direct health insurance issuers to use the data to set appropriate rates. This framework aims to protect patients from surprise billing while ensuring ambulance providers receive appropriate payment from the insurance issuer.

“No one should hesitate to call 911 for an ambulance when a life is at stake, or receive another shock when that bill arrives later,” Holmes said. “It is unfortunate to consider how many people’s financial security has been affected by limited health care access, inequitable insurance coverage and a lack of affordability. I will continue working to take these barriers to care down.”

House Bill 2785 takes effect immediately.