US SB2518

Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise the Medicare fee schedule for air ambulance services based on cost and utilization data

Requires air ambulance providers to submit data every 3 years on fixed and operating costs per base, service utilization by Medicare enrollees, and revenue from Medicare

Mandates HHS finalize the air ambulance data collection rule within 6 months of enactment, implementing requirements from the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021

Directs the Government Accountability Office to report to Congress within 1 year of data collection on average operating costs per base, cost per transport, payor mix, Medicare payment adequacy, and geographic cost variations

Requires stakeholder consultation through a transparent process when the Secretary revises the air ambulance fee schedule