Story ID: 
Air Methods Expands In-network Insurance Agreements
By: Mark Huber
Caption: Air ambulance provider Air Methods says it has expanded its in-network coverage agreement with health insurer Anthem to six more states. 
Word Count: 332
Air ambulance provider Air Methods yesterday announced the expansion of its in-network partnership with health insurer Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to apply to patients in six more states—California, Georgia, Nevada, Colorado, Virginia, and New York. This adds to Air Methods’ in-network partnership with Anthem in five Midwestern states—Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin—and with Blue Cross BlueShield of Tennessee.

Patients who are customers of these insurers in these states will receive air ambulance services at discounted in-network rates. Staying in network for healthcare services can help consumers avoid balance billing, the practice of billing a patient for the difference between the plan’s reimbursement and what can be higher medical charges.

"This expansion of our agreement with Anthem will significantly expand the number of members who will receive our lifesaving services at predictable, in-network rates,” said Chris Myers, Air Methods executive vice-president of reimbursement. Air Methods said it is continuing to work toward negotiating additional in-network agreements while making its patient advocacy program available to patients facing bills from out-of-network air medical transportation costs. The program supports patients with billing questions and insurance appeals.
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