emergencies

New Hampshire lawmakers are trying to address the yearslong struggles of patients who take an ambulance and end up surprised with massive bills even when they have health insurance.

Several bills related to ambulances have been introduced for the upcoming legislative session.

The 911 system across Massachusetts went down Tuesday afternoon, making it impossible for anyone to reach emergency services through the call number.

“We’re going to need higher (reimbursement) rates (from insurers), particularly in the rural and super-rural areas of the state," said Insurance Commissioner D.J. Bettencourt.

The new approach is meant to reduce interactions between people in crisis and police, as well as to prevent people from getting stuck waiting for care in hospital emergency rooms.

People in New Hampshire can now send text messages to Nine-One-One if they are having an emergency.The new service is meant to be used only when there is…