posted April 30, 2019

(GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colorado, April 30, 2019) – Air Methods, the leading air medical service provider, today announced that it has expanded its partnership with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and will now be part of the plans’ in-network health coverage benefits in six additional states across the country. 

As part of the agreement, Anthem-affiliated health plan members in California, Georgia, Nevada, Colorado, Virginia, and New York will receive Air Methods’ critical care in the air services at discounted in-network rates. 

“This expansion of our agreement with Anthem will significantly expand the number of members who will receive our lifesaving services at predictable, in-network rates,” said Chris Myers, executive vice president of reimbursement for Air Methods. “This partnership further reinforces both Air Methods’ and Anthem’s commitment to patients. By offering this critical service as an in-network benefit, we allow members to focus on their recovery instead of bills.”

Meeting the need for increased access to in-network benefits 
Staying in network for healthcare services can help consumers avoid unexpected spending as well as balance billing, which is the practice of the healthcare provider billing a patient for the difference between the plan’s reimbursement and the medical charges.

“At Anthem we’re working to help ensure consumers have access to vital healthcare services when they need them the most,” said Paul Marchetti, senior vice president of network and care delivery transformation for Anthem. “This agreement to add Air Methods to our network in these six states is another example of how we are working to make healthcare simpler and expand access to quality, affordable healthcare.” 

This latest agreement continues Air Methods’ focus on expanding its in-network partnerships. In recent months, Air Methods announced it had inked an agreement with Anthem for affiliated health plans in five central U.S. states, and with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. 

As Air Methods continues to work towards additional in-network agreements, its Patient Advocacy Program also supports patients with insurance bills when their air-medical care and transportation is an out-of-network benefit. Patient Advocacy Program teams work on the patients’ behalf, especially as related to supporting patients with billing questions and insurance appeals. 

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About Air Methods
Air Methods is the leading air medical service, delivering lifesaving care to more than 70,000 people every year. With nearly 40 years of air medical experience, Air Methods is the preferred partner for hospitals and one of the largest community-based providers of air medical services. United Rotorcraft is the Company’s products division specializing in the design and manufacture of aeromedical and aerospace technology. Air Methods’ fleet of owned, leased or maintained aircraft features more than 450 helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. 

About Anthem, Inc.
Anthem is a leading health benefits company dedicated to improving lives and communities, and making healthcare simpler. Through its affiliated companies, Anthem serves more than 74 million people, including nearly 40 million within its family of health plans. We aim to be the most innovative, valuable and inclusive partner. For more information, please visit www.antheminc.comor follow @AnthemInc on Twitter.

Media Contact:
Megan Smith
Amendola Communications for Air Methods
(404) 408-3379

Joyzelle Davis
Anthem Inc.
(303) 831-2005