There has been much anticipation surrounding the new air ambulance bill that aims at curtailing surprise billing practices. However, experts opine that the draft leaves much to be desired for both parties – the payers and the air ambulance service providers. The feeling is that the lawmakers have tried to take a middle ground so as to not displease the air ambulance industry or the medical insurance industry.
From the insurance industry point of view, the fact that it suggests an in-network rate even for those medical flight service providers that are out of network seems like a big win. The provision is something that payers have wanted all along.
From the air ambulance industry point of view, the draft allows for arbitration if there is a dispute with regards to the billing. However, since this comes in the backdrop of a set rate, the industry is not too happy about it.
How is the Air Ambulance and the Wider Healthcare Industry taking it?
The American Hospitals Association has strongly opposed the draft. Their reasoning is that it harms the rural hospitals by limiting the access that patients currently have. The association went as far as saying it is a ‘windfall’ for the insurers ‘at the expense of’ community hospitals. American Association of Medical Colleges too has opposed the draft.
America’s Health Insurance Plans has displayed its dissatisfaction surrounding the provision for arbitration.
More about Arbitration
When it comes to air ambulance companies, arbitration will only be possible for amounts over $25,000. The industry is also expected to provide two years’ worth of data pertaining to costs. This data would be provided to US Transportation Secretary as well as HHS.
The air ambulance industry has been vocal in raising the concerns surrounding patient safety as well as closure of medical bases. They also pointed out that the current insurance payouts by Medicare and Medicaid do not cover even 40% of the costs.
