Providers' median prices for helicopter air ambulance service increased substantially over the course of four years, according to a recent study released by the U.S. Government Accountability Office.
For the study, analysts examined CMS Medicare data and private health insurance data. The study found providers' median prices for helicopter air ambulance service approximately doubled between 2010 and 2014, from approximately $15,000 to approximately $30,000 per transport.
The GAO spoke with stakeholders about air ambulance pricing issues, and offered multiple recommendations. For example, the GAO said the Secretary of Transportation should "communicate a method to receive air ambulance, including balance billing, complaints," and "take steps to make complaint information publicly available." The GAO also recommended the Department of Transportation "assess available data and determine what information could assist in the evaluation of future complaints," and "consider air ambulance consumer disclosure requirements." The GAO said the DOT agreed with most recommendations, except the third, saying the DOT did not need the additional information to do this. The GAO maintains the recommendation.