For Immediate Release
September 22, 2023
Contact: media@soarcampaign.com
(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (R-IL) introduced the VA Emergency Transportation Access Act to preserve access to air ambulance service for Veterans.
“Air medical is a lifeline, especially for the 4.7 million rural Veterans living hours away from the nearest medical center who rely on air ambulances for transport in emergencies,” said SOAR spokesperson PJ Amartey. “SOAR thanks Representative Bost for introducing this legislation and showcasing support for fair reimbursement to ensure Veterans have access to air medical services in their time of need.”
The House bill ensures the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides fair reimbursement for emergency air medical services. In February 2024, the VA plans to cut its reimbursement rate for emergency air medical services by aligning it with Medicare, which currently covers less than 50 percent of the costs associated with providing air transport. These cuts will force air medical bases to shut down, limiting access to lifesaving transport for rural Veterans and their communities.
If passed, the legislation would require the VA to conduct a rigorous review process before proceeding with any cuts, including:
Consideration of the economic and access to care impacts of potential rate cuts.
Consultation with medical experts, CMS, Veterans Service Organizations, and other key stakeholders.
Confirmation that rates reflect the true costs of providing air medical transport.
“The VA Emergency Transportation Access Act is a commonsense solution that would ensure Veterans have access to air ambulance transport – whether planned or in an emergency… We applaud your leadership on this issue and look forward to working with you, the VA, and our nation’s Veterans to ensure access to lifesaving air medical services is preserved,” said the SOAR Campaign in a letter supporting the legislation.
The Senate bill was recently introduced by U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-MT), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Patty Murray (D-WA), and John Boozman (R-AR).
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About Save Our Air Medical Resources (SOAR)
Save Our Air Medical Resources (SOAR) is a national campaign dedicated to preserving access to emergency air medical services for Americans across the country. Official partners of the SOAR Campaign include industry experts, in-flight paramedics and nurses, and patients who rely on emergency services. To learn more about SOAR visit https://www.soarcampaign.com/