HB447: Government Rate-Setting That Raises Costs

HB447 expands government rate-setting, increases healthcare costs, and removes flexibility—without improving services or outcomes.

We urge the Kentucky State House to oppose HB447. Take Action below.

Dear [Lawmaker],

I urge you to oppose HB447 and its impact on healthcare costs for your constituents. This bill will not only increase premiums and out-of-pocket costs for Kentucky families, employers, and taxpayers, but is the kind of mandated price-setting that opens the door to further government overreach and abuse.
HB447 replaces negotiated, market-based ambulance rates with government-mandated pricing, requiring private insurers to pay up to four times Medicare rates for the same services provided today. This approach ignores market dynamics and will directly increase healthcare costs for Kentuckians.
The bill also imposes new mandates, including required coverage of all out-of-network ambulance services, elimination of medical management, and accelerated payment requirements. These provisions compound the problem, further driving up premiums and out-of-pocket costs without improving access or outcomes.
HB447 is estimated to increase consumer healthcare costs by more than $5 million annually and will add significant expense to the state employee health plan, with projections as high as nearly $10 million. These costs will ultimately be borne by all of us.
For these reasons, I urge you to vote “NO” to HB447 and support policies that control costs, preserve flexibility, and protect affordability.
Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
______

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