GAO: Most air ambulance providers out-of-network for privately insured

More than two-thirds of air ambulance transports for patients with private insurance were out-of-network in 2017, putting patients at financial risk for the difference charged, according to a report released yesterday by the Government Accountability Office. GAO analyzed a private health insurance data set for air ambulance transports with information on network status and prices charged, and found the median price was $36,400 for a helicopter transport and $40,600 for a fixed-wing transport in 2017. The agency also reviewed more than 60 consumer complaints with specific information on balance bills for air ambulance transport and found all but one exceeded $10,000. The Secretary of Transportation is forming an advisory committee to recommend options to prevent balance billing for air ambulance services.