The only time I ever experienced an ambulance ride was when my seven-year-old son injured his wrist at the park last year. In our local hospital’s emergency room, the doctors struggled to determine whether he required surgery. The x-rays were unclear, leading to a mandated ambulance transfer to a specialized children’s hospital half an hour away. I can’t help but think about how much worse it could have been if he needed an airlift to a different facility. Unfortunately, this scenario is more common than you might think, especially now with the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19, which has stretched healthcare resources thin. As hospitals fill up, air ambulance services have become necessary for transporting patients to other facilities.
Between 2012 and 2016, the typical cost for an air ambulance ride was around $40,000. By 2020, during the peak of the pandemic, that average soared to over $50,000—and not all insurance plans cover this expense. The need for airlifting, whether in an emergency or a non-urgent situation, often goes unconsidered until it’s too late.
The primary goal of airlifting patients is to boost their chances of survival. In many cases, it’s a critical situation, and the foremost concern is ensuring the patient has the best chance of recovery. For families grappling with the stress of a COVID-19 diagnosis, the reassurance of being transported by air ambulance to secure a hospital bed can bring some comfort. However, when the bill arrives after the hospital stay, a fresh wave of anxiety hits regarding how to manage the costs, turning an emotional ordeal into a financial crisis. Recently, over 41,000 new COVID-19 cases were reported in a week, with over 11,000 individuals hospitalized nationally. When hospitals face capacity issues, air transport may be the only viable solution.
If a hospital cannot adequately care for its patients, it is their responsibility to seek alternative options, potentially involving transferring patients, as happened with my son. I’m grateful it wasn’t a life-threatening situation; however, if it had been, I would have wanted him to be flown to the facility capable of saving his life—regardless of the financial implications.
Navigating health insurance can be daunting and expensive, but there are alternatives. Organizations like LifeFlight and Flying Angels are stepping in to alleviate the financial and emotional burdens associated with air ambulance services.
Established in 1978, LifeFlight is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing air medical transport for patients in need. They serve areas in the Pacific Northwest, Intermountain West, and Alaska. For a small annual membership fee, families can cover all dependents in their household. For residents in Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Montana, this peace of mind comes at just $69 a year, which seems like a small price for such security, especially considering you won’t receive a bill later. Additionally, for those in Oregon, there’s a combined membership that also includes ground transport services.
Flying Angels offers another option for medical air transport, providing a reliable alternative to traditional air ambulances. With the assistance of a flight registered nurse, patients requiring non-emergency medical transport can connect with Flying Angels to determine if their services fit the needs of their loved ones.
Don’t wait until a staggering bill arrives in the mail. Now is the perfect time to investigate what your insurance covers regarding air ambulance services. Understanding the potential costs—both financial and emotional—associated with emergency medical transport is crucial. You may discover that the coverage is inadequate or costs more than a year’s rent, making it essential to explore alternatives now to avoid future headaches. You hope you never need these services, but if the situation arises, you’ll be thankful you prepared ahead.
For more information, you might find our other blog post on home insemination insightful. Additionally, if you’re looking for authoritative resources, check out Cryobaby’s at-home insemination kit and the fertility services at Johns Hopkins.
Leave a Reply