NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) joined Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) in introducing the Protecting Air Ambulance Services for Americans Act that would improve access to emergency air medical services that are critical for saving lives, particularly in rural communities. The bipartisan, bicameral legislation would utilize data collected under the No Surprises Act to update Medicare reimbursement rates for emergency air services.

“During a medical emergency, Tennesseans living in rural communities shouldn’t have to worry about access to emergency medical transportation, including air ambulance,” said Senator Blackburn. “Our bipartisan Protecting Air Ambulance Services for Americans Act would preserve critical access to life-saving air ambulance services for Tennesseans and all Americans, no matter where they live.”

“Coloradans should be able to trust that if they are sick or injured, they can get the medical attention they need, no matter where they live,” said Senator Bennet. “As air ambulance bases across rural America have been forced to close, people in rural communities have lost access to lifesaving care. This bipartisan bill builds on our efforts to bring transparency to our health care system and improves access to lifesaving care for all Americans.”

The legislation was introduced by U.S. Representatives Ron Estes (R-Kan.) and Suzan Delbene (D-Wash.) in the House of Representatives.

BACKGROUND

• Air ambulances can be the difference between life and death – a 2019 study found injured patients transported by air ambulance were less likely to die than those taken by ground ambulance.

• Medicare beneficiaries account for nearly 40% of all air medical transports. While operational costs of air ambulance services have increased, Medicare reimbursements have not. A 2017 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found that Medicare reimbursement rates for air ambulance services are significantly below the costs of providing care, especially in rural areas.
  
  
• The current Medicare reimbursement rate for air medical services is determined by the air ambulance fee schedule. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) first established the air ambulance fee schedule in 2002 using data from a 1998 cost pool, and it has not been updated since. Since then, over 47 air ambulance bases have closed, and more closures are expected, particularly limiting emergency care access for Americans living in rural communities.

THE PROTECTING AIR AMBULANCE SERVICES FOR AMERICANS ACT

To ensure that patients in need of emergency care have access to air medical services, the Protecting Air Ambulance Services for Americans Act would:

• Authorize CMS to update the Medicare Fee Schedule using data collected through the No Surprises Act passed in 2020; 

• Require air ambulance providers to submit additional data on the operational costs of air medical services;

• Require the GAO to issue a report on the costs associated with providing air ambulance services for Medicare beneficiaries; and 

• Implement a deadline for the Secretary of Health and Human Services to finalize the data collection requirements under the No Surprises Act. 

ENDORSEMENTS

“We applaud the introduction of the Protecting Air Ambulance Services for Americans Act,” said Jana Williams, President & CEO, Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS). “This bipartisan, bicameral legislation reflects a growing recognition that air medical providers are not just responders—they are lifelines, especially in rural and underserved communities. Air medical programs are increasingly essential mobile extensions of our national emergency care infrastructure. This bill takes a pragmatic step forward to ensure these high-acuity services remain available when and where they’re needed most. We look forward to working with Congress and other stakeholders to advance this critical legislation and protect access to life-saving care across the country.”

“The Protecting Air Ambulances for Americans Act underscores the vital role that air medical transportation plays in preserving the health and safety of millions nationwide,” said Rob Hamilton, CEO of Air Methods. “We remain committed to advocating for lasting solutions that ensure no one is left without access to emergency care during a medical crisis. We’re grateful for the leadership of Senators Marsha Blackburn and Michael Bennet, as well as Representatives Ron Estes and Suzan DelBene, whose unwavering support brings us one step closer to safeguarding emergency air medical services, especially for rural communities and seniors who need them most.”

Click here for bill text.