Air Methods announces in-network agreement with Florida Blue
US-based aeromedical services provider Air Methods has expanded its partnership with domestic health insurer Blue Cross and Blue Shield to provide its Florida Blue plan members with Air Methods’ critical care in the air services at discounted in-network rates
“This expansion of our agreement with Florida Blue will significantly expand the number of members who will receive our lifesaving services at predictable, in-network rates,” says Chris Myers, Executive Vice-President of Reimbursement for Air Methods. “This partnership further reinforces both Air Methods’ and Florida Blue’s commitment to patients’ needs. By offering this critical service as an in-network benefit, we allow members to focus on their recovery instead of bills.”
This latest agreement continues Air Methods’ focus on expanding its in-network partnerships. In-network coverage offers consumers a discounted, out-of-pocket payment for qualified services, which varies depending on their plan’s benefits. Staying in-network for healthcare services can help consumers avoid unexpected spending as well as balanced billing, which is the practice of the healthcare provider billing a patient for the difference between the plan’s reimbursement and the medical charges.
With this expansion, Air Methods now has more than 47 in-network commercial health plans agreements. Today, approximately 70 per cent of the population is covered for Air Methods’ services either through commercial insurance or through Medicare or Medicaid so will not receive a balance bill for services.