ORLANDO, Fla. — Morgan Traficante, an Orlando woman, has been bombarded with bills and texts demanding payment for a five-minute ambulance ride during labor. Traficante, who called for an ambulance due to her baby’s heart decelerations, was unaware that American Medical Response (AMR) was out-of-network when they responded to her 911 call. Despite assurances from her insurer, Florida Blue, that she only owed $34, Traficante began receiving frequent notifications from AMR since February, billing her over $670. AMR clarified they became out-of-network in March 2023 after Florida Blue declined their reimbursement rates, a move Florida Blue described as exorbitant.
Dispute Leaves Floridians Vulnerable to Ambulance Billing
Florida Blue and AMR have scheduled a meeting after concerns raised by investigative reporting revealed a year-long unresolved dispute between the two companies. Unlike other states that have implemented mandated cost caps for ambulance rides, Florida offers no such protections. This absence of regulation leaves Florida residents vulnerable, as they are subject to the billing practices of whichever ambulance service responds to their 911 calls, regardless of whether the service is in-network or not.
In states with cost caps, patients benefit from standardized fees for ambulance rides, reducing the risk of unexpectedly high bills. These regulations ensure that even if an out-of-network ambulance responds, the patient is protected from excessive charges. Florida, however, has no such measures in place, meaning that Floridians can face significant financial burdens simply because they had an emergency that required ambulance transportation. The lack of protective legislation in Florida highlights the disparity in healthcare costs and underscores the need for reform to safeguard patients from unpredictable and often exorbitant medical expenses.
AMR’s and Florida Blue’s Positions on the Dispute and Billing Issues
AMR stated that Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) has not updated its system to reflect AMR’s out-of-network status, resulting in continued payments at insufficient rates. AMR criticized BCBS for misrepresenting coverage to their customers, causing confusion and financial strain. To address these issues, AMR has advocated for legislative measures, specifically Senate Bill 568 and House Bill 639, designed to protect patients from billing disputes. These bills have successfully passed three Senate and House committees but are awaiting further action in 2025.
AMR emphasizes its dedication to patient care, highlighting their Compassionate Billing program, which helps individuals and families who may qualify for reduced payment or balance forgiveness. This program is part of their broader effort to assist patients through the complexities that arise after emergency medical situations.
In response, Florida Blue acknowledged that AMR terminated their longstanding network agreement in early 2023. They described AMR’s demands for rate increases as exorbitant and out of step with other providers in their network. Despite the ongoing dispute, Florida Blue remains committed to resolving the issue to ensure healthcare remains affordable for their members and the communities they serve. The company expressed regret that members are caught in the middle of this conflict and pledged to continue working towards a resolution.
The ongoing dispute between AMR and Florida Blue highlights significant challenges in the healthcare system, particularly regarding emergency medical services and billing practices. Patients like Morgan Traficante find themselves in the middle of complex and stressful billing conflicts, despite assurances from their insurance providers. This case underscores the urgent need for regulatory reforms to protect patients from unexpected and exorbitant medical bills.
As AMR and Florida Blue work towards resolving their differences, the situation sheds light on broader issues within the healthcare industry, including the need for updated legislation and better communication between providers and insurers. The outcome of this dispute could set a precedent for how similar conflicts will be handled in the future, potentially leading to stronger protections for patients in Florida and beyond. In the meantime, individuals must remain vigilant and informed about their insurance coverage to navigate the current patchwork system effectively.
Conclusion
The ongoing dispute between American Medical Response (AMR) and Florida Blue underscores the broader challenges and complexities of insurance disputes, particularly in emergency medical services. Patients like Morgan Traficante find themselves entangled in a web of conflicting information and unexpected financial burdens, despite assurances from their insurance providers. This case exemplifies the critical need for clearer communication and stronger regulations to protect patients from such predicaments.
Navigating these complex insurance disputes can be daunting, but legal assistance can make a significant difference. At Anthony-Smith Law, we offer free consultations to help you understand your rights and options. If we decide to take your case, there’s no charge unless you win. In almost all of these cases, the insurance company is forced to pay your medical bills, ensuring you are not left bearing the financial burden.
Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to advocating for patients caught in the middle of such disputes, working diligently to hold insurance companies accountable and secure the coverage you deserve. By seeking legal help, you can navigate these challenging situations with confidence, knowing you have a committed team fighting for your best interests.
For immediate 24-hour assistance, please contact Anthony-Smith Law at 321-900-HELP (321-900-4357).
