Protecting Air Ambulance Services for Americans Act of 2025
Protecting Air Ambulance Services for Americans Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Protecting Air Ambulance Services for Americans Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary **What the bill does:** This bill focuses on how Medicare pays for air ambulance services (helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft that transport medical emergencies). Currently, air ambulance providers must report cost and usage data to the government, but the bill would give Medicare more authority to adjust payment rates based on this collected information. It also requires air ambulance providers to report additional details specifically about their Medicare costs and usage, and directs an independent government watchdog agency (the Government Accountability Office) to review all the data being collected and recommend whether Medicare payment rates should change. **Who it affects:** Air ambulance providers, Medicare patients who need emergency air transport, and potentially Medicare's budget.
The bill could impact how much these services cost patients and insurers depending on whether payment rates are adjusted up or down. **Current status:** The bill was introduced by Rep. Ron Estes (R-KS) and is currently in committee, meaning it's under review and has not yet been voted on by the full House.
CRS Official Summary
Protecting Air Ambulance Services for Americans Act of 2025This bill authorizes payment changes under Medicare for air ambulance services based on certain collected data and requires additional reporting from providers of these services.Current law requires providers of air ambulance services to report certain information regarding general costs and utilization to the Department of Health and Human Services; private health insurers are also required to report information relating to coverage of these services. The bill authorizes the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to revise payment rates under Medicare for air ambulance services based on this data, and it requires providers of air ambulance services to specifically report information relating to costs and utilization under Medicare.The bill also requires the Government Accountability Office to report on the data that is collected under current law requirements and to recommend changes to Medicare payment rates accordingly.
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.