(Fremont County, WY) – Classic Air Medical announced they have discontinued their memberships in a press release shared with County 10. Their release is shared below.
“At Classic Air Medical, we have always chosen to focus on high-quality critical care transport at a low cost to patients. Approximately 10 years ago, Classic created a membership program to protect patients and their families from open-ended balance billing.
“Over the past few years, Classic has fine-tuned its billing practices to maximize the insurance company’s payment for a medical flight. This has allowed Classic to minimize the amount that patients have to pay out-of-pocket to an average of just $200.
“Classic Air Medical fully supports the federal government implementing the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which was enacted on December 27, 2020. This act contains many provisions including the No Surprises Act under title 1.
“With the No Surprises Act, consumers have new billing protections when getting emergency care and non-emergency care from out-of-network or in-network facilities, and air ambulance services from out-of-network providers. Through new rules aimed to protect consumers, out-of-pocket costs are restricted, and emergency services must continue to
be covered without any prior authorization, and regardless of whether or not a provider or facility is in-network.
“We believe this enactment renders memberships unnecessary. Therefore Classic Air Medical proudly announces that we no longer offer a membership program. Instead, our team will work with your insurance company to fully cover the cost of our air medical service. Selling air medical memberships is an outdated and unnecessary practice and we believe that all air medical companies should discontinue their use.
“Classic Air Medical will continue to offer the highest level of air medical services for the lowest possible cost. Classic’s commitment to serving our communities, patients, and families will remain our top priority.”
For more information about the No Surprises Act, click here.
Questions or concerns can be directed to Richard Larsen, Classic Air Medical Public Relations, by calling (307) 851-1615 or emailing [email protected].