Surprise billing or balance billing is not just a problem specific to the air ambulance industry. The healthcare landscape itself is riddled with it. We have seen far too often that people who opt for a medical flight service receive huge bills that are not covered by the insurance network.
As a result, they end up liable to pay the surprise bill to the air ambulance service provider. While we often see that the money is waved off or a huge discount is offered, it is still an inconvenience and often a point of friction between the consumers and the medical flight company.
Is the Air Ambulance Industry Doing Enough?
Doubts are often raised whether the air ambulance industry is doing enough to keep the costs in check. While it is undeniable that there are some bad actors, the industry experts reveal that going in-network is not an option. The reason is the unfair reimbursement rates they say.
At the current time, the cost projections by the air ambulance industry and what the insurance companies are willing to reimburse are poles apart. Of course, there are some initiatives like memberships that medical flight companies offer, but not many are able to get the full benefits of such initiatives as consumers do not feel that necessity to pay extra, in addition to their insurance premiums.
What Can the Air Ambulance Industry Do Further?
It all comes down to negotiations. It is imperative that the air ambulance industry has a healthy discussion with the insurance companies to arrive at a fair reimbursement rates. The industry must be flexible enough to ultimately join the insurance networks.
Moreover, there is a necessity to present their points of view to the government so that there is a clear understanding of the roadblocks. The ultimate aim must be to unburden the common man.
