Surprise bills and ambulance bills in California
If you go to an in-network hospital, lab, imaging center or other facility and are treated there by an out-of-network doctor or other professional, you pay only your in-network cost sharing.
Checked against official sources: October 30, 2026.
What California adds
- State law
California surprise billing law (AB 72) and ground ambulance law (AB 716)
- Which plans it covers
Health plans regulated by the state: plans licensed by the Department of Managed Health Care and health insurance regulated by the Department of Insurance. Medi-Cal managed care is covered by separate Medi-Cal rules.
- What it adds
If you go to an in-network hospital, lab, imaging center or other facility and are treated there by an out-of-network doctor or other professional, you pay only your in-network cost sharing. The out-of-network professional may bill more only if you signed a separate consent at least 24 hours ahead with a written cost estimate. The professional may not report what you owe to a credit bureau, may not sue you for at least 150 days after the first bill, and may not use wage garnishment or a lien on your home.
- Ground ambulance
The state protects you
If your state-regulated plan covers the ride, an out-of-network ground ambulance can charge you only your in-network cost sharing (plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2024). If you are uninsured or self-pay, a ground ambulance may not charge you more than the Medi-Cal or Medicare fee-for-service rate, whichever is greater. In both cases the ambulance provider may not report the bill to a credit bureau, may not sue you for at least 12 months after the first bill, and may not use wage garnishment or a lien on your home.
Law: Cal. Health & Safety Code 1371.56, 1797.233; Cal. Ins. Code 10126.66
Law: Cal. Health & Safety Code 1371.9, 1371.56; Cal. Ins. Code 10112.8, 10126.66
Itemized bills and price estimates in California
Before sending a hospital bill to collections or selling it, the hospital must tell you how to get an itemized bill. State law also lets you see the hospital's full list of charges (charge description master) on its website or at the hospital.
Law: Cal. Health & Safety Code 127425(e)(3), 1339.51
Price estimates
If you don't have health coverage, a hospital must give you a written estimate of what it will require you to pay for expected services, with its financial assistance policy and an application form (not for emergency care).
Law: Cal. Health & Safety Code 1339.585
Where to complain in California
- Hospital bills and financial assistance: Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI), Hospital Bill Complaint Program
A hospital wrongly denied you charity care or a discount, did not give the required notices, or did not follow the rules before sending your bill to collections. It does not handle general billing or price disputes. - Health plan problems: Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) Help Center
Problems with an HMO or other plan licensed by DMHC, including surprise bills and denials. - Health insurance: California Department of Insurance · 1-800-927-4357
Problems with a health insurance policy regulated by the Department of Insurance. - Debt collectors: Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) · 1-866-275-2677
A debt collector or debt buyer broke state collection rules. - Attorney general: California Attorney General, Public Inquiry Unit
Other consumer complaints against a business.
Free tools, letters and checklist
Questions about medical bills in California
Am I protected from ground ambulance bills in California?
If your state-regulated plan covers the ride, an out-of-network ground ambulance can charge you only your in-network cost sharing (plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2024). If you are uninsured or self-pay, a ground ambulance may not charge you more than the Medi-Cal or Medicare fee-for-service rate, whichever is greater.