Protecting Air Ambulance Services for Americans Act of 2025
Sens. Bennet and Blackburn Introduce Bill to Update Medicare Air Ambulance Payments
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- This bill changes how Medicare pays for emergency air ambulance services. It allows the government to adjust payment rates based on new data about what it actually costs to fly patients to the hospital in helicopters or planes.
- Companies that provide these flights would be required to share their financial data with the government every three years. They must report their operating costs, how much money they make, and how often their services are used by Medicare patients.
- The plan aims to ensure that air ambulance companies are paid fairly so they can stay in business, particularly in rural areas where ground ambulances might take too long. It also requires the government to finish rules for collecting this data within six months.
- A non-partisan watchdog will study the average cost of these flights and how those costs change depending on where you live. This report will help Congress decide if Medicare is paying enough to keep these life-saving services available for everyone.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Programs
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.
Disabilities
Milestones
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.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
3 articlesAir ambulances need Medicare fix before it's too late
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discusses the 'Protecting Air Ambulance Services for Americans Act,' noting that despite its introduction to address outdated Medicare reimbursement rates, the bill has seen little progress.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.
For emergency rural health care, look to the sky
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.
Rep. Joyce tours WellSpan WellFlight, highlights lifesaving air medical services
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.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Protecting Air Ambulance Services for Americans Act of 2025
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(11)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.