Air Medical Truths

TO Combat Membership Myths

Contrary to what you may have heard or been led to believe,
we believe that air medical memberships are a thing of the past.
In fact, the membership model is outdated. Let us explain.

If you have private health insurance, air medical companies can’t send you surprise balance bills.

  • As of January 1, 2022, the No Surprises Act protects privately insured patients from a large balance bills and surprise costs related to emergency medical care. You’re only responsible for your deductible, co-pay or coinsurance, just as you would be with any other healthcare service.
  • If you bought or are considering buying an air medical membership because you are worried you could get a 50K+ bill, times have changed. If you have private health insurance, you are protected.
  • It doesn’t matter who your insurance provider is or if you are in or out of network, you can’t get a surprise balance bill if you have private health insurance, no matter who transports you.

Medicare Part B & Medicaid – You’re Protected

  • Air medical transportation is a covered benefit for both Medicare (Part B) and Medicaid patients.
  • Medicaid patients have no deductible at all.
  • Most Medicare beneficiaries have a Medicare Supplement (or “Medigap”) policy. If you are a Medicare beneficiary, there are many Medicare-approved and regulated Medigap policies that will cover required deductibles, co-pays and coinsurance for many medical services, including air medical services. Find a Medigap policy that works for you.

The company selling you a membership can’t even guarantee they will transport you.

  • Air medical companies do not self-dispatch. So, neither you nor the air medical company can control which air medical provider will be called to transport you.
  • When your life is at stake, the air medical provider that is closest and is available will be dispatched to help you, whether or not you have a membership.

Across the air medical industry, the average out-of-pocket costs (including deductible, co-pay and coinsurance) have come down considerably.

  • As air medical providers are going in network with health insurance companies, the average amount a patient could be responsible for has decreased dramatically.
  • The country’s two major air medical providers have both stated average out-of-pocket costs are below $300.

The likelihood of needing air medical transport is very low.

  • According to the Association of Air Medical Services, roughly 550,000 patients use air medical services every year, which is less than 0.17% of the U.S. 330,000,000 million population.

Know what you’re signing up for – Read the terms and conditions

  • Read the fine print and understand your rights and any exclusions in full when you sign up for an air medical membership.
  • Review and understand all terms and conditions to protect yourself and your family.
  • You don’t purchase a membership for regular doctor visits or other healthcare services. Why would you do so for air medical care?

Now What?

If you currently have a membership, cancel it now.

We will help you get started by clicking the button below.

Generate My Cancellation E-mail

More Resources

    Insurance Process

    A detailed breakdown of the insurance process. 

    Learn More

    Patient Advocacy

    Our dedicated Patient Advocacy team provides patients with support and resources during the post-flight billing process. Our goal is to relieve stress on patients and their families. Patient Advocates successfully help patients navigate the claims and appeals process.

    Learn More

    Patient Resources

    Find the answers to your billing questions and learn the language of the claim process using our glossary of terms. 

    Learn More

    In-Network Insurance

    We have agreements with some of the largest health insurance companies across the country. Our plans are to continue to increase these agreements and go in-network in all areas we serve.

    View Current List of Providers

    No Surprises Act Disclosure

    When you are transported by an out-of-network air ambulance provider, you are protected from surprise billing or balance billing.

    View Disclosure

    Patient Success Stories

    Learn about the patient success stories with Air Methods’ local programs across the country.

    Learn More