AAMS to discuss healthcare legislation and air ambulance balance billing
On 27 December, President Trump signed into law the massive legislative package that includes legislation that ends the practice of balance billing in the air medical transport sector, which has prompted the Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS) to host a town hall meeting online to examine the impact of the legislation on air ambulance providers
That legislation includes new restrictions for air ambulance billing, as well as the creation of an Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) Process to settle payment disputes between insurers and air ambulance providers. The legislation also creates a data collection program for air ambulances and an additional air ambulance advisory committee to look at issues of tiered reimbursement, vehicle type, and unnecessary concentration of aircraft.
The legislation closely resembles, at least in concept, a proposal made by AAMS in July of last year, though there are some concerns about the fairness of the IDR and the continuing need to address significant shortfalls in Medicare and Medicaid payments. We will also continue fighting for direct EMS COVID relief, as EMS are consistently stretched to the limit of their capabilities in many hard-hit communities around the country.
AAMS to offer clarity on Trump healthcare bill
Cameron Curtis, CEO of AAMS, commented: “In order I help explain this massive legislation and the changes it will make to your operation as well as the operation of hospitals and healthcare systems across the U.S., AAMS is hosting a one hour Special Balance Billing Town Hall on 12 January at 13:00 hrs EST to help explain the legislation and what we hope the multi-year implementation process will entail. We will provide some materials for members to consider and have special guests to help explain the legislation and what we hope will be the result of this massive change to healthcare economics. If you’d like to send questions in advance please send them to [email protected] otherwise everyone will have an opportunity to ask questions during the event.”
Curtis added: “I hope this legislation will provide the solution we have all hoped and worked for over the last two years – a process where the patient is removed from billing disputes created by their insurers and preserves the emergency medical transport system that this country relies upon in their time of need. This legislation is only the beginning of a long and intense process that will require the attention of every AAMS member, large and small. We have a lot of work ahead of us and we will only be successful by working together toward a common goal.”
For more insights from Cameron Curtis, you can read the interview with her that AirMed&Rescue did in late 2020 here.