Bill > S2518

This bill aims to improve the Medicare payment system for air ambulance services by allowing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise the existing fee schedule based on comprehensive data collection. The bill mandates that air ambulance service providers submit detailed financial and operational data every three years, including fixed and operational costs per base, revenue from Medicare services, and utilization rates. The Secretary is required to consult with stakeholders transparently when considering fee schedule revisions. Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary to finalize a data collection rule within six months of enactment and mandates a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study within one year of data collection, which will examine average operating costs, transport costs, payor mix, Medicare payment adequacy, geographic cost variations, and potential fee schedule improvements. The legislation is intended to create a more accurate and fair payment system for air ambulance services under Medicare by ensuring decisions are data-driven and informed by comprehensive industry insights.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2518/all-info