DownloadThis exclusive whitepaper examines the costs of emergency medical transportation in the U.S., identifying a complex challenge for consumers, providers, and policymakers. Ambulance services are essential yet often overlooked in healthcare discussions, despite their significant financial burden, which is exacerbated by insurance gaps and rising prices.
Costs remain a challenge
Emergency medical transportation services play a vital role in providing life-saving trauma care, yet their costs are often overlooked in broader discussions about healthcare expenses. The unique circumstances surrounding emergency medical transportation — where choices are limited and time is critical — further complicate consumers’ understanding of these costs and their implications.
A frequent and necessary service
A report analyzing emergency medical services in 2022 revealed that around 20 million people received emergency medical transportation, highlighting the frequency with which these services are utilized. Families, especially those caring for elderly relatives, experience even higher rates of ambulance usage. The costs associated with ambulance services vary widely based on factors such as geographical location and the type of treatment provided, with average billed amounts ranging from $2,480 for women to $3,470 for children.1
Between 2019 and 2023, the costs of emergency transportation increased significantly, outpacing inflation even though utilization remained relatively stable. The average billed amount for air ambulance services was about $51,300, compared to $1,740 for ground transport.1 This increase in costs can be attributed to various factors, including the complexity of services provided during transport and advancements in medical technology, which raise both the operational costs of ambulance services and the costs of critical care rendered during transportation.
The search for solutions that serve everyone
Insurance coverage gaps exacerbate the financial burden of emergency medical transportation, with significant out-of-pocket expenses often falling on patients. As the aging population in the workforce increases, the demand for emergency transportation services is expected to rise, placing additional strain on both consumers and healthcare systems. This white paper aims to shed light on the nuances of medical transportation costs and their impact on access to care, with the hope of collaborating with employers, providers, and policymakers to identify solutions and improve the affordability of emergency medical services.
About the publisher
MASA is the only U.S. company centered around providing complete nationwide coverage for emergency transportation, working to protect members from large medical expenses. We have a high investment in examining and discovering the drivers around the frequency, costs, and coverage gaps of emergency medical transportation.
About the research
This paper builds on the findings from a major actuarial database that combines over 70 years of research, representing 70 million life years of exposure data. The database is used to estimate expected claim costs and model healthcare utilization by the insurance industry across the U.S. It’s also updated annually to address market trends and regulatory compliance issues.1 In 2022, this database leveraged about 400,000 claims for emergency medical transport to create a statistically significant sample.
Variables examined in this paper include frequency of medical transport use, triggering events, costs and accessibility associated, geographic location analysis, analysis of industry and billing categories, and the frequency and costs of ambulance transportation by age and gender.
MASA Global has commissioned this white paper. The opinions, viewpoints, conclusions, and other information presented herein are those of the author. MASA makes no representations as to the accuracy of the information contained herein.
1: Private U.S. claims database, 2022