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MASA Teams Up with WTW's Via Benefits Platform

In a significant development aimed at supporting retirees, MASA®, a prominent provider of emergency transportation coverage in the U.S. and across 14 international markets, has announced its partnership with WTW's Via Benefits platform. This collaboration seeks to broaden access to essential emergency medical transportation coverage for retirees, addressing a critical need in today’s healthcare landscape.

A Step Towards Financial Security

On May 1, 2025, MASA shared details about this partnership, emphasizing the importance of providing reliable medical transportation services. Joe Heaney, President of the Business Group Division at MASA, noted, “Via Benefits has a proven track record in bringing better health benefits to Americans, especially retirees. We are thrilled to collaborate with them to protect more Americans from the financial burdens of emergency medical transport.”

The rising costs of healthcare in an uncertain economic climate have made it vital for both employers and retirees to evaluate their healthcare benefits critically. With this new initiative, MASA and Via Benefits aim to ease concerns about unexpected medical bills related to emergency transportation services, which can lead to staggering out-of-pocket expenses.

The Reality of Emergency Medical Services

Emergency medical transportation is not merely a supplementary service; it’s a necessity for millions of Americans. In 2022, an estimated 20 million American citizens utilized emergency medical services, with most users being senior citizens aged 60 and above. Unfortunately, the complexities of healthcare billing often leave these patients in precarious situations, as many emergency ambulance rides can lead to surprise medical bills. An alarming report indicated that approximately 79% of ground ambulance rides result in out-of-network charges, with average bills reaching upwards of $2,000 for individual trips.

In light of such financial risks, the inclusion of MASA’s emergency transportation coverage into WTW's Via Benefits exchange represents a proactive measure to combat potential financial hardships faced by retirees. Chris Bodily, Vice President of Carrier Relations at Via Benefits, highlighted the importance of this collaboration: “In today's uncertain economic environment, the cost of retiree healthcare benefits looms large for employers and retirees alike. Our individual marketplace enables innovative organizations like MASA to deliver essential benefits and protection that provide financial security.”

About MASA and Via Benefits

Founded in 1974, MASA has been at the forefront of enhancing primary healthcare plans by addressing additional out-of-pocket transport costs associated with emergency medical services. With coverage extending across all 50 states, Canada, and international markets, MASA caters to over two million members—protecting their access to essential medical transport services. Their commitment continues with this latest partnership, expanding options for those who rely heavily on emergency services.

Via Benefits, established in 2004, has assisted more than two million people in navigating and enrolling in individual health insurance plans. Their platform not only simplifies the enrollment process but also serves as a resource for individuals to understand their coverage options amid the evolving healthcare landscape. As the first and largest Medicare marketplace in the U.S., Via Benefits has adapted to changing needs by incorporating individual and family plans, ensuring active employees and pre-Medicare retirees have viable alternative options for health benefits.

Conclusion

The partnership between MASA and WTW's Via Benefits is a notable stride towards mitigating the financial burdens associated with emergency medical care, especially for retirees. By creating avenues for retirees to access essential coverage, MASA and WTW are ultimately fostering a more secure and supportive healthcare environment. This collaboration not only addresses immediate healthcare needs but also embodies an ongoing commitment to helping retirees maintain peace of mind as they navigate their healthcare journeys. For more information on this new initiative, visit masaaccess.com and learn how you can protect yourself when emergency medical transportation is needed.