
The air ambulance provider is allowed to consider the patient’s ability to pay, and may require payment in advance. In an emergency, the patient usually does not have the opportunity to request transport by a specific air ambulance provider.ĭifferent rules apply in a nonemergency. Likewise, an insurer or employee benefit plan may not require preapproval of an air ambulance transport in an emergency situation. If an emergency medical condition exists, an air ambulance provider may not consider the patient’s insurance status or other ability to pay. Even with an in-network provider, you may still have a significant out-of-pocket expense.Īn emergency medical condition is one that could reasonably be expected to result in serious jeopardy to the health of the patient or her unborn child serious impairment to bodily functions or serious dysfunction of a bodily organ or part. These include your deductible amount, any copayments, and any coinsurance (a percentage of the amount owed after deductible and copayments). Cost sharing: Regardless of whether you use an in-network or out-of-network air ambulance provider, you’ll still likely be responsible for your usual cost sharing obligations under the policy.Under MCA, your insurer will assume responsibility and notify the air ambulance company of the assumption of any balance in excess of the allowed amount not later than the date the insurer issues payment for your air ambulance services. “Out-of-network” providers have not agreed to the allowable amount. Most Montanans live within range of an in-network provider. In-network providers agree to accept a set allowable amount as payment in full, but you are typically still responsible for any deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Provider network: It’s important to know which air ambulance providers are “in-network” under your insurance policy or employee benefit plan.Here are a couple of important factors that can have a impact on your air ambulance bill. However, the policy may not cover the entire charge.

Most major medical insurance policies and employee benefit plans provide some form of air ambulance coverage. The following FAQ provides more information.

#AIR EVAC INSURANCE CODE#
Montana’s “Air Ambulance Hold Harmless” statutes, found at § 33-2-2301 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), work to protect many of our residents when they receive a balance bill from an out-of-network air ambulance provider. A typical air ambulance bill can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and while insurers have network agreements with most air ambulance carriers, there are some that remain out-of-network, which could result in a balance bill delivered to your mailbox. It’s important to know that air ambulance services can also be very expensive. Air ambulances provide Montanans with timely, quality medical treatment when it’s needed most. From rescuing an injured hiker in the wilderness to quickly transferring an ill child to a specialty care hospital, air ambulance services make all the difference when time is of the essence. Multi-level Marketing Companies-ProfessionalsĪir ambulances provide a vital service to Montanans and are an integral part of Montana’s health care system.Multi-level Marketing Companies-Consumers.
