H.R. 4792: Protecting Air Ambulance Services for Americans Act of 2025

This bill, titled the "Protecting Air Ambulance Services for Americans Act of 2025," aims to amend how Medicare pays for air ambulance services. Below is a summary of its key provisions:

1. Revision of Payment System

The bill allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise the fee schedule for air ambulance services provided under Medicare. This revision can be based on:

• Data on costs and utilization of air ambulance services collected under a previous law.
• Additional data collected from air ambulance service providers every three years regarding operational costs, revenue, and service utilization.

2. Stakeholder Input

If the Secretary decides to change the payment schedule, they must consider input from stakeholders. This process should be transparent, ensuring that data used for revisions is properly considered.

3. Timely Implementation of Data Collection

The Secretary is required to finalize a rule for collecting air ambulance data within six months of the bill's enactment. This is meant to ensure a prompt start to gathering the necessary information for informed decision-making.

4. GAO Study on Air Ambulance Costs

Within one year of beginning data collection, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) must deliver a report detailing:

• The average annual operating costs for air ambulance bases.
• The average cost per air ambulance transport.
• The variety of payors for air ambulance services.
• Whether Medicare payments are adequate for these services.
• Differences in service costs across geographic areas.
• Suggestions for improving the Medicare payment schedule for air ambulance services.

Relevant Companies

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