For more than 85 million rural Americans, every second matters in a medical emergency. Those crucial moments after a traumatic injury or medical crisis – known as the “golden hour” –often determine whether a patient survives, especially when the nearest hospital is hours away.
For rural seniors, Veterans, and other underserved communities, air medical services are often the only link to timely, advanced, life-saving care. Recent visits from lawmakers in Kansas and New York have helped shed light on the critical work of air ambulance teams and the urgent need to address the challenges that threaten their future.
In Emporia, Kansas, Senator Roger Marshall, a physician by profession, toured the LifeSave 21 base, which serves about 268,000 residents, and met with team members to discuss the operational and financial pressures air medical providers face.
“I practiced medicine in Great Bend for 25 years. I delivered a baby every day and would use helicopter services once a month. Every minute counts,” said Marshall.
Austin Hoagland/Gazette
Last month, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) visited the LifeNet of New York base at Finger Lakes Regional Airport in Seneca Falls, which serves approximately 469,000 residents. Since 2014, LifeNet has operated 24/7, transporting critically ill and injured patients to specialty hospitals.
Rep. Tenney visits LifeNet (provided)
Following her visit, Rep. Tenney expressed deep appreciation for the crews and their vital role in strengthening rural healthcare saying, “I’m grateful to the dedicated men and women who serve in these demanding roles, often under the most challenging conditions, and I remain committed to supporting policies that strengthen rural healthcare access, emergency medical services, and the resources our first responders need to save lives.”
Economic pressures, high fixed costs, and staffing shortages still lingering from the pandemic have compounded the impact of outdated Medicare reimbursement rates, putting financial pressure on rural bases.
Medicare currently covers only 59% of the cost of a transport, but nearly 40% of all transports are seniors. This shortfall makes it difficult for providers to keep bases open, maintain staff, and ensure aircraft are ready to fly.
The Protecting Air Ambulance Services for Americans Act, recently introduced in Congress, would update Medicare reimbursement rates using modern cost data. These rates haven’t been revised in over 20 years. If passed, the bill could bring much-needed financial relief and help stabilize access to air medical care in rural communities.
At SOAR, we’re encouraged to see lawmakers taking the time to understand what’s at stake. Visits like these show growing recognition that air medical services are essential for survival in rural America. Now, awareness must lead to action. Preserving access to air medical care means protecting the infrastructure that makes it possible, from the pilots and clinicians to the aircraft and rural bases they operate from.
Every minute counts in an emergency. Contact your representative and urge them to protect access to emergency air medical services: https://www.soarcampaign.com/take-action