The only time I ever needed an ambulance was when my four-year-old son hurt his arm last year while playing at school. In the emergency room of our local hospital, the doctors and nurses couldn’t decide if he needed surgery due to unclear x-rays. So, we were required to take a hospital-mandated ambulance ride to a specialized children’s hospital 30 minutes away. I shudder to think what would have happened if his injury had been more severe and he required an airlift—it’s more common than many realize. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has stretched hospital resources thin, resulting in more patients being airlifted to facilities with available beds.
Many hospitals are overwhelmed and have run out of space, leading to patients being placed in hallways or left waiting. Consequently, the decision to transport patients via air ambulance is becoming increasingly frequent and costly. From 2012 to 2016, the average expense for an air ambulance ride was around $40,000, and in 2020, during the pandemic’s peak, it exceeded $50,000—expenses that not all insurance plans cover. The necessity for a medical airlift, whether in urgent or non-urgent situations, is often overlooked until it’s too late.
Aerial transport to another hospital typically aims to improve survival rates. In emergencies, the primary goal of healthcare providers is to save lives. For families facing the uncertainty of a COVID-19 diagnosis, being transferred by air ambulance can offer some relief, knowing their loved one is getting the necessary care. However, when the bill arrives, anxiety about payment can overshadow the relief, turning a health crisis into a financial one. Just last week, over 41,000 new COVID-19 cases were reported, with more than 11,000 requiring hospitalization. When hospitals reach capacity, airlifts are sometimes the only option left.
Hospitals have a responsibility to ensure their patients receive appropriate care, which may entail transferring them to another facility, as was the case with my son. Thankfully, his situation wasn’t life-threatening, but if it had been, I would have wanted him airlifted to wherever he could receive the best care, regardless of cost.
Navigating health insurance can be complicated and expensive, but there are alternatives. Some families are turning to organizations like LifeFlight and Flying Angels to alleviate the financial and emotional stress associated with airlifting patients.
Founded in 1978, LifeFlight is a nonprofit organization that provides air medical transport services for patients in the Pacific Northwest, Intermountain West, and Alaska. For a modest annual membership fee of $69, families can cover all household dependents in the event of a needed airlift. This cost is a small price to pay for the peace of mind it offers, especially considering that no additional bills will follow after using the service. In Oregon, there’s even a combined membership that includes ground transport services.
Flying Angels is another alternative for medical air transport, offering safe travel for patients and reassurance for families. With a flight registered nurse on board, they provide non-emergency medical transport options that may better suit certain needs.
Avoid the shock of receiving a $40,000 or $50,000 bill by checking your current insurance coverage regarding air ambulance services. Understanding the potential financial and emotional implications of emergency medical transport can save you from future headaches. While we hope these services are never needed, being prepared can make all the difference.
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Summary:
Navigating the complexities and costs associated with air ambulance services can be overwhelming. With average expenses soaring during the pandemic, understanding your insurance coverage and exploring alternatives like LifeFlight and Flying Angels can provide financial peace of mind. It’s crucial to be proactive and informed to avoid unexpected bills and stress during medical emergencies.