posted November 19, 2024

AirLIFE and AirLift Texas host events to address questions and dispel myths 

UVALDE, TX, Nov. 19, 2024 – AirLIFE in Uvalde and AirLift Texas in Waco, which are part of Air Methods, the nation’s leading emergency air medical service provider, recently hosted educational events to shed light on the complexities of air medical billing. These sessions, designed for hospital staff, first responders, and community leaders, provided a platform for open discussion and transparency on the billing process, insurance coverage, and patient advocacy.  

Air Methods’ Jason Doyle, senior manager of patient business services, and Jeffrey Loew, patient relations supervisor, led the sessions in Uvalde on Nov. 6 and Temple on Nov. 7, covering a variety of topics from in-network and out-of-network insurance coverage, to how the No Surprises Act impacts patients transported by helicopter, to air medical memberships, and more.  

“We pride ourselves on patient care,” said Doyle. “That is two-fold. There is the initial response where our clinicians do a phenomenal job providing medical care for patients. Then the second part is the patient interaction post-flight. We know that when someone needs to be transported by air, it is not for something minor. That person’s life changed that day, and our patient advocates continue caring for the patient throughout billing process.” 

After each transport, Air Methods’ billing specialists work to uncover any health insurance coverage the patient may have, as well as any coverage available through an auto, home, or worker’s compensation policy. Their goal is to take the burden off the patient while keeping them informed of any updates so they can focus on their recovery rather than the payment process. 

Thanks to the No Surprises Act, which went into effect in 2022, all patients are protected from balance billing. Insured patients are only responsible for their co-pay, co-insurance, or deductible (CCD) as agreed to in their insurance policy. For patients struggling to pay even their CCD, Air Methods offers tailored support through their CARE (Compassion, Advocacy, Reduction, and Empathy) program. 

“The CARE program looks at a patient’s debt to income ratio, household size, and what their life is like today,” said Doyle, highlighting how often patients or their families share their heartfelt thanks at how easy the process is, how kind the advocates are, and how relieved they are to have a payment they can afford. “We realize that yesterday they may have been working with a paycheck coming in, but today they may be on disability for the next six months. We have individual conversations with each patient to determine a reasonable amount based on what they can pay with the money they currently have coming in.” 

The sessions also addressed misconceptions about air medical memberships. Doyle explained that memberships, tied to specific providers, often provide little value in emergencies.  

“When you buy a membership with a company, it is specific to that company. That means if a different provider flies you, the membership doesn’t apply,” said Doyle. “Nationwide, across all air medical companies, only 0.0017% of the population ever needs to fly. It doesn’t make sense to sell memberships to people on the small chance they might need it.” 

Emergency air medical service is completely covered for patients with Medicaid. All patients, even those without insurance, receive the same care from Air Methods’ patient advocates to determine a payment they can afford without causing additional hardship. 

“Helping doctors, patients, first responders, and community leaders understand how air medical billing works is crucial for putting their minds at ease,” said Joel Ramirez, Air Methods area manager for the state of Texas. “In the face of an emergency, we want those who call for a helicopter to feel confident in that choice for their patients, both medically and financially. We also want patients to know that balance billing is no longer something they have to contend with when they need transport. They do not need to choose between their physical health and their financial health – we take care of both.”