SSB 5986 — Protecting consumers from out-of-network health care services charges.

What this bill does

Establishes balance billing protections for certain ground ambulance services. Requires health carriers to provide coverage for ground ambulance transport services to behavioral health emergency services providers for enrollees who are experiencing an emergency medical condition. Requires the Washington State Institute for Public Policy to conduct a study on the extent to which other states fund or have considered funding emergency medical services (EMS) substantially or entirely through federal, state, or local governmental funding and the current landscape of EMS in Washington.

From the Washington State Legislature's nonpartisan staff bill analysis. Read the full analysis ↗

Floor votes

• House — Final Passage as Amended by the House · February 28, 2024
  95 yea · 1 nay · 2 not voting
• Senate — Final Passage as Amended by the House · March 4, 2024
  49 yea · 0 nay
• Senate — 3rd Reading & Final Passage · February 8, 2024
  48 yea · 0 nay · 1 not voting

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Other bills sponsored by Cleveland

• SSB 5121 — Establishing the joint select committee on health care and behavioral health oversight.
• SB 5122 — Extending the expiration date of the ambulance transport fund.
• SSB 5181 — Concerning medical assistants.
• SB 5242 — Prohibiting cost sharing for abortion.
• ESSB 5271 — Protecting patients in facilities regulated by the department of health by establishing uniform enforcement tools.