New Texas law addresses air ambulance billing

Starting on Sept. 1, Travis County STAR Flight and other publicly funded air ambulances services will no longer be required to “bill balance.” The term refers to the practice of billing an individual’s insurance, then billing the individual for any remaining costs associated with services.

“When we respond, it usually means these are the most ill, most injured patients,” said Erick Ullman, chief clinical supervisor at Travis County STAR Flight, in a press release. “The patients go through something that’s totally unexpected, something they know will change their lives.”

The practice has led many individuals to receive surprise bills follow air ambulance trips. Senate Bill 790, which took effect on Sept. 1, allows counties to stop the “bill balancing” process.

“With SB 790, it makes us feel great as critical care providers knowing the patients are not going to be surprised by a bill later on,” Ullman said.

Prior to the change, the law required Travis and other counties to recoup any money owed for STAR Flight services, meaning it had to use third-party debt collectors to address unpaid bills.

“Many STAR Flight patients face difficult roads to recovery,” said Travis County Commissioner Brigid Shea, who sits on the legislative subcommittee. “The Commissioners Court asked for this change in state law so that our residents can focus on their recovery without having any added fear or stress of trying to figure out how to pay their bills.”