📄 Step-by-Step Guide: What to Do If You Get an Ambulance Balance Bill
Use this simple process to dispute a bill, understand your protections, and take the right next steps.
- Request an itemized bill from the ambulance provider.
- Check for coding errors or charges for services you did not receive.
- Ask your insurer why it paid the amount it did.
- Submit a written appeal to your insurer and provider (templates below).
- File a state complaint if the bill is unfair or predatory.
- Escalate to your state legislators and demand ambulance billing reform.
📝 Downloadable Templates
Copy, modify, and send these templates to dispute unfair charges.
📌 Template: Dispute Letter to Ambulance Provider
[Your Name] [Your Address] [Date] [Ambulance Provider Name] [Provider Address] RE: Balance Bill for [Date of Service] – Request for Review To whom it may concern, I am writing to dispute the balance bill I received for ambulance transport on the date listed above. I request a full itemized bill and a review of the charges for accuracy, medical necessity, and billing code validity. Please pause all collection activity while this review is ongoing. I look forward to a written response. Sincerely, [Your Name]
📌 Template: Appeal Letter to Insurance Company
[Your Name] [Your Address] [Insurance ID] [Date] [Insurance Company] [Appeals Department Address] RE: Appeal for Ambulance Claim on [Date of Service] To the Appeals Department, I am appealing the payment decision for my ambulance claim for the date listed above. The billed amount is unreasonable and may not reflect appropriate in-network or fair-market rates. Please review the claim, reconsider the allowed amount, and provide a written explanation of your determination. Sincerely, [Your Name]
📌 Template: State Insurance Complaint Letter
[Your Name] [Your Address] [Date] [State Department of Insurance] RE: Complaint Regarding Ambulance Billing Practices To whom it may concern, I am filing a complaint regarding an excessive or unfair ambulance balance bill. I have attempted to resolve this issue with both the provider and my insurer but have not received a fair or adequate response. I request that your office review this case and take appropriate action. Sincerely, [Your Name]
📍 State-by-State Complaint Contacts
Every state has a department that handles ambulance billing or insurance complaints.
Find your state contact here:
💡 Know Your Rights
- The No Surprises Act currently does not protect ground ambulances.
- States may have additional protections — check your state’s laws.
- You always have the right to request an itemized bill.
- You have the right to dispute incorrect medical coding.
- Collection activity must pause during an ongoing insurance appeal.