The air ambulance industry, for the most part, had been opposed to the recently passed bill by Congress that seeks to put an end to surprise billing practices. The state governments in the United States have been on a long and hard-fought quest to curb surprise billing practices. However, since the air ambulance industry is protected by federal law, states were helpless in controlling their billing practices. This fact has now changed and brought along new challenges for the air ambulance industry. Most of the players in the medical flight industry are private-equity based and have largely remained out of insurance networks. The new bill can hit them hard.
Effect on the Air Ambulance Industry
Maintaining air ambulance services is no small task. From maintaining the aircraft and hangars to paying off highly experienced and qualified personnel, the costs are high. So far, the costs were covered well as the discretion to bill their services had no curbs. Now, with the new bill, the air ambulance companies will have to make do with what the insurance companies approve. Failing to agree on the pricing will only lead them to an arbitrator whose decision will be final.
What Can the Air Ambulance Industry do?
It goes without saying that profits will dwindle down. However, as most air ambulance companies have already begun doing, it makes sense to join insurance networks. This will ease the payment process. Also, it is time that the industry looks at quality services wherein patients voluntarily opt for their services, even if it means that they will need to pay an out-of-pocket premium. The air ambulance industry now needs to veer its attention towards brand building activities. In this context, it must be noted that the service providers are still not compelled to limit their bills. The only change is that patients will no longer be liable to pay balance bills unless they opt to do so.
