The House-passed legislation, House Bill 5217 (Representative Joseph Bellino, R-Monroe), House Bill 5218 (Representative Tom Barrett, R-Charlotte) and House Bill 5219 (Representative Beau Matthew LaFave, R-Iron Mountain), would ensure that hospitals, ambulance operation and aircraft transportation provide cost and benefit information to non-emergency patients prior to transportation.

HBs 5217-5219 passed 96-14, 97-13, and 97-13 with strong bipartisan support and will now move to the Senate for consideration.

“Air-based medical transportation often results in insurance costs which far exceed available heath care coverage options,” said Delaney McKinley, MMA senior director of government affairs and membership. “While the health and well-being of an employee is of primary importance to manufacturers, something should be done to give patients in non-emergent situations the ability to make informed decisions about their care.”

The bills also include requirements for the use of motor vehicle transportation as a primary transport option unless aircraft transportation is medically necessary for the patient. The legislation does not apply to emergency situations.

This article was originally published in the 12/11/17 issue of MMA’s MFG Voice.

Contact Delaney McKinley

Senior Director of Government Affairs and Membership
Call 517-487-8530
E-mail mckinley@mimfg.org