I am a resident of Hartselle, AL, who experienced a severe medical emergency in September 2023. I suffered from syncope twice, resulting in a concussion, fractured rib, severe vertigo, hip contusion requiring blood transfusion and complex injury to my right index finger. In my helpless state on the floor unable to move or lift my head up, I had no choice but to call 911 for help.

Lifeguard Ambulance Service responded as they are the only service available in Hartselle. After being hospitalized for five days due to the severity of my condition, I received an unexpected bill amounting to $2015 from Lifeguard while still at the hospital.

My insurance company Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), which covers services from surrounding areas does not have a contract with Lifeguard. This situation left me with an enormous financial burden on top of dealing with physical pain and recovery.

This is not just about me but also about other residents who may face similar situations now or in future. It's critical that Lifeguard Ambulance Service contracts with insurance companies like BCBS and others so that patients can access their services without fear of receiving surprise medical bills or being balance billed.

We must also require them by law not to send surprise bills which can cause significant financial stress on top of health concerns for patients like myself who are already dealing with serious health issues.

Let us stand together as residents of Hartselle and also as residents of AL and demand this change for our community's well-being. Please sign this petition urging local authorities and healthcare regulators to mandate these changes within our local ambulance service provider - Lifeguard Ambulance Service.

https://www.legislature.state.al.us/pdf/SearchableInstruments/2024RS/SB52-int.pdf​

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/new-recommendations-outline-how-congress-could-lower-ground-ambulance-costs​

https://www.consumerreports.org/money/medical-billing/your-ambulance-ride-could-still-leave-you-with-a-surprise-medical-bill-no-surprises-act-a2373503204/​

https://www.aapc.com/blog/83716-ground-ambulances-left-out-of-no-surprises-act/​

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ambulance-surprise-medical-bill-balance-billing-state/​

https://tahp.org/new-texas-law-bans-surprise-ambulance-bills/​

https://content.naic.org/cipr-topics/no-surprises-act​/

https://m.flsenate.gov/session/bill/2024/639/analyses/h0639c.apc.pdf​

https://health-access.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/AB-716_Fact-Sheet_fnl.pdf

https://www.change.org/p/stop-alabama-ambulance-providers-from-overcharging-customers