2003 Senate Bill 296 / 2004 Public Act 171

Revise ambulance reimbursement procedures

Introduced in the Senate

March 13, 2003

Introduced by Sen. Jud Gilbert (R-25)

To require a health insurance company or HMO which covers emergency medical transportation services (ambulances) to send reimbursement checks directly to the ambulance companies, instead of customers, even if the insurer has no contract with the ambulance company.

Referred to the Committee on Health Policy

Nov. 12, 2003

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-3) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

May 13, 2004

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that requires insurers to send a joint check to the ambulance company and the customer.

The substitute passed by voice vote

May 18, 2004

Passed in the Senate 34 to 0 (details)

To require a health insurance company that covers emergency medical transportation services (ambulances) to send joint reimbursement checks that must be co-endorsed by the ambulance company and the customer.

Received in the House

May 18, 2004

Referred to the Committee on Health Policy

May 25, 2004

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

June 3, 2004

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that moves back the bill's effective date but does not make any substantive changes.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Stephen Ehardt (R-83)

To exempt HMOs from the provisions of the bill.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 105 to 2 (details)

To require a health insurance company that covers emergency medical transportation services (ambulances) to send joint reimbursement checks that must be co-endorsed by the ambulance company and the customer.

Received in the Senate

June 8, 2004

June 9, 2004

Passed in the Senate 35 to 0 (details)

To concur with the House-passed version of the bill, which exempted HMOs from the provisions of the bill.

Signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm

June 24, 2004