State Lawmakers Take Aim At Astronomical Air Ambulance Bills
As patients are getting stuck with bank-breaking costs for the life-saving rides, lawmakers are trying to get rules in place to regulate the industry. But their efforts have been blocked along the way.
The Associated Press:
States Seek Ways To Regulate Steep Air-Ambulance Costs
As the air ambulance industry has grown, so too have complaints about costs and the lack of regulations. States that try to set rules are met with lawsuits that argue air ambulances — specially equipped aircraft, usually helicopters, used to ferry sick or injured people in emergencies — fall under the Airline Deregulation Act, which prevents states from interfering with fares, routes and services. (Hanson, 4/19)
Earlier related KHN coverage: A Lifesaving Flight, With A Price Tag Of $56,000 (Cates-Carney, 1/21).
