Due to the air ambulance market that frequently results in surprise bills, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a proposed rule that requires plans, issuers of individual health insurance coverage, and providers of air ambulance services to submit detailed data regarding air ambulance services specified in the reporting requirements of the “No Surprises Act.”   The proposed rule also allows HHS to collect data related to market trends and costs in an effort to address air ambulance expenses.

Currently, air ambulance providers are prohibited from sending surprise bills to Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries. This prohibition typically does not apply to those with private insurance, as air ambulance trips are typically out-of-network. The No Surprises Act addresses this and bans surprise bills for patients who use out-of-network air ambulance services and limits the amount they pay out of pocket, starting next year.

More details available at: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/air-ambulance-nprm-fact-sheet