What This Story Is About
- A Clarksville, Tennessee, man received a surprise ground ambulance bill for more than $4,800 after an emergency transfer. The case highlights a loophole in the federal No Surprises Act and Tennessee’s failed effort to ban balance billing for emergency ambulance rides.
Why It Matters
- The man said the ambulance bill he received was twice the cost of his surgery.
- Lawmakers say they’ll be pushing for legislation in the next session to stop surprise bills from ambulances.
For Context
- A state bill to close the federal loophole passed the House unanimously but stalled in the Senate, meaning patients remain vulnerable.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Joshua Carlson thought the worst part of his medical emergency was over.
The Clarksville man had spent a Friday night in excruciating pain, convinced he was suffering from severe gas. Instead, doctors told him gallstones had inflamed his gallbladder and that it needed to be removed immediately.
There was just one problem…