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Skyrocketing Costs of Emergency Medical Transportation

Recent analyses indicate that costs associated with emergency medical transport have risen dramatically, marking an increase of 32% over the last four years, as reported by MASA®. This surge occurs even though utilization rates have remained steady, suggesting other influencing factors at play. The report titled 'Emergency Medical Transportation: The True Costs - And How They're Rising' has uncovered troubling statistics that tie significant financial burdens directly to common medical conditions.

David Harris, CEO of MASA, emphasizes that these rising costs are not just numbers but reflect deeper issues within the healthcare system. He states, "Emergency medical transportation is costly, common, and a major contributor to inequities in our healthcare system." Indeed, one of the report’s major findings is that many patients remain unaware of how exorbitant the costs of emergency transport can become until they receive the bills.

In 2022, the national average cost for an emergency medical transport service stood at $2,952. However, discrepancies become stark when examining non-metropolitan areas—where the need for emergency services often outstrips the accessibility of healthcare facilities. For instance, the average billed amount soared to $13,252 in rural Arizona and $13,057 in Nevada. These regions face unique challenges, compounded by a scarcity of trauma units and emergency rooms, further affecting equitable access to care.

Notably, the data also revealed that older adults represent a significant demographic for emergency medical transport. The highest frequency of such transport is associated with the ICD category R00-R99, covering various common symptoms that include chest pain and shortness of breath. These categories underscore a reality in which immediate needs often eclipse timely diagnosis, leading to a reliance on emergency services when other options may not be available.

The findings from MASA's report are based on a comprehensive review of over 400,000 emergency transport claims filed in 2022, presenting a worrying outlook on costs that continue to rise without a corresponding increase in access to care. This initiative marks the first in a series of reports aimed at arming consumers, employers, and policymakers with crucial data that can inform decision-making regarding medical transport finances.

Founded in 1974, MASA, which stands for Medical Air Services Association, operates as a leading provider of emergency transportation benefits across the United States and 14 countries worldwide. With a mission to cover out-of-pocket costs associated with emergency transport, MASA now serves over two million members by offering vital emergency and non-emergency transportation benefits.

The stark realities laid out in this special report are a call to action for stakeholders within the healthcare industry, to address and mitigate the financial challenges posed on vulnerable populations and to work towards creating a more equitable healthcare landscape. As we move forward, it becomes increasingly critical to explore the root causes behind these cost escalations and actively pursue solutions that bridge the existing gaps.