Sens. Bennet and Blackburn Introduce Bill to Update Medicare Air Ambulance Payments
A senate committee must act next: committee consideration.
No action since July 2025
This bill’s path across every version that has carried it.
Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
This bill would allow HHS to update the Medicare fee schedule for air ambulance services based on actual cost data, potentially increasing payment rates that many providers say haven't kept up with inflation. Medicare beneficiaries who need emergency air transport — especially in rural areas — could benefit if better payments help keep air ambulance bases open and operational.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
The article discusses the 'Protecting Air Ambulance Services for Americans Act,' noting that despite its introduction to address outdated Medicare reimbursement rates, the bill has seen little progress. It highlights the financial strain on providers who receive only 59% of costs from Medicare.
In this op-ed, Rep. Ron Estes advocates for the Protecting Air Ambulance Services for Americans Act, explaining that Medicare rates haven't been updated since 2002. He argues the bill is essential to prevent further base closures in rural areas by using No Surprises Act data to adjust payments.
Local coverage of Rep. John Joyce's visit to an air ambulance base where he discussed the 'Protecting Air Ambulance Services for Americans Act.' The article notes the bill would update Medicare rates based on actual cost data to ensure the sustainability of services in rural communities.
No votes recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Protecting Air Ambulance Services for Americans Act of 2025
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