This report, provided by the House Bill 1728 (HB1728) work group, is the result of a thorough review of regulations, dispatch, and billing procedures that may affect individuals during situations where Medevac services are dispatched for the provision of emergent air medical transport. This is a complex issue rising from the challenges of several state and federal factors contributing to the issue of balance billing. These factors include: types of insurance, insurance carrier networks, Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA), Airline Deregulation Act (ADA), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and various other complex billing processes. There has been a national focus on provider reimbursement rates for air ambulance services, patient payment responsibility, prior authorization, and if health benefit contracts cover air ambulance services.

The work group report offers possible solutions, including the need for public education, transparency in billing practices, the use of new technology for dispatch, and continued expansion of training for healthcare providers. The report reviews the background on air medical services in Virginia, policy options, and the positions of stakeholders participating in the provision of air medical services. The report highlights recommendations from these stakeholders to include both consenting and divergent views.