Surprise bills and ambulance bills in Alabama
Starting October 1, 2026, an emergency medical service provider, in network or out of network, may not bill you or try to collect anything for covered ground ambulance services except your in-network copay, coinsurance and deductible, and the plan's payment is payment in full.
Checked against official sources: October 30, 2026.
What Alabama adds
- State law
Alabama ground ambulance balance billing law
Law: Act 2026-349, S.B. 269; Act 2026-349 (S.B. 269)
- Which plans it covers
Health plans issued, delivered or renewed in Alabama by health insurers, health care service plans, HMOs and nonprofit agricultural organizations that offer health benefits. Medicaid is not covered. Self-funded employer plans are generally not covered.
- Ground ambulance
The state protects you
Starting October 1, 2026, an emergency medical service provider, in network or out of network, may not bill you or try to collect anything for covered ground ambulance services except your in-network copay, coinsurance and deductible, and the plan's payment is payment in full. Your insurer must tell an out-of-network provider your in-network cost-sharing amount if asked. Minimum payments by plans start at 200% of the Medicare ambulance rate for in-network emergency transport (October 1, 2026) and 180% for out-of-network providers (January 1, 2027). This law is set to be repealed on June 1, 2029. No Alabama law limits ground ambulance bills for people without insurance.
Law: Act 2026-349 (S.B. 269), secs. 1-3, 6, 8
Law: Act 2026-349 (S.B. 269)
Where to complain in Alabama
- Health insurance: Alabama Department of Insurance, Consumer Services · 334-241-4141
Your health insurer denied a claim, or an ambulance billed you more than your in-network cost sharing. - Hospital licensing: Alabama Department of Public Health, Bureau of Health Provider Standards · 1-800-356-9596
You have a complaint about a licensed hospital, surgery center or other health care facility. - Attorney general: Alabama Attorney General, Consumer Interest Division · 1-800-392-5658
A business or debt collector used unfair or deceptive practices.
Free tools, letters and checklist
Questions about medical bills in Alabama
Am I protected from ground ambulance bills in Alabama?
Starting October 1, 2026, an emergency medical service provider, in network or out of network, may not bill you or try to collect anything for covered ground ambulance services except your in-network copay, coinsurance and deductible, and the plan's payment is payment in full. Your insurer must tell an out-of-network provider your in-network cost-sharing amount if asked.