Ron Estes (R-KS)
Protecting Air Ambulance Services for Americans Act of 2025
A Republican bill with 9 Democratic cosponsors · See all 20 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Protecting Air Ambulance Services for Americans Act of 2025," aims to change how Medicare pays for air ambulance services. It allows the Secretary to revise the existing fee schedule based on specific data. To do this, providers must submit data every three years regarding their costs, service utilization, and revenue. The bill also requires the Secretary to finalize and publish a rule regarding air ambulance data collection within six months. Finally, it mandates a GAO study to analyze operating costs, transport costs, and the adequacy of current Medicare payments.
Yes· 3 of 7
- Scored +3
Does this put more money into Medicare, the health coverage for people over 65?
The bill authorizes the Secretary to revise the fee schedule for air ambulance services based on reported operating costs and revenue.
- Scored +2
Would people over 65 be better off under this?
The bill aims to ensure the adequacy of Medicare payments for critical air ambulance services used by seniors.
- Scored +2
Would retired people be better off under this?
The bill targets improvements to the Medicare system which supports the healthcare needs of retirees.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Revision of the Medicare fee schedule: Section 2(A) allows the Secretary to update the fee schedule for air ambulance services based on specific data. This could lead to adjustments in how these services are paid for.
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Improved data collection for better decision making: Section 2(C) requires providers to submit data every three years regarding fixed and operated costs per base, service utilization, and revenue. This information is intended to help the Secretary revise the fee schedule.
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Informed oversight through a GAO study: Section 4 directs the Comptroller General to submit a report that includes the adequacy of Medicare payments and geographic variations in costs. This report provides recommendations on improving the fee schedule.
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Stakeholder involvement: Section 2(D) requires the Secretary to consider stakeholder input in a transparent process if they decide to change the fee schedule.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Increased reporting requirements for providers: Section 2(C) requires providers of air ambulance services to submit specific data regarding costs, utilization, and revenue to the Secretary once every three years.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would retired people be better off under this? — The bill targets improvements to the Medicare system which supports the healthcare needs of retirees. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — The bill aims to ensure the adequacy of Medicare payments for critical air ambulance services used by seniors. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Ensuring Medicare adequacy helps maintain service availability for those reliant on public health coverage.
- Healthcare
- Does this put more money into Medicare, the health coverage for people over 65? — The bill authorizes the Secretary to revise the fee schedule for air ambulance services based on reported operating costs and revenue. Does this make health care easier to get in general? — By reviewing the adequacy of Medicare payments, the bill seeks to stabilize the provision of essential air ambulance services.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates a transparent process for stakeholder input regarding fee schedule revisions.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — The bill establishes a data-driven process to ensure Medicare payments for air ambulance services are appropriately aligned with actual costs.
- 10/6/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/1/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/25/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/12/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 3/18/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/3/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 1/15/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 12/3/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 11/18/2025
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- 10/17/2025
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- 7/29/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Gus BilirakisRepublican · Florida
Jason CrowDemocrat · Colorado
Suzan DelBeneDemocrat · Washington
Neal DunnRepublican · Florida
John JoyceRepublican · Pennsylvania
Nicholas LangworthyRepublican · New York
Tracey MannRepublican · Kansas
Carol MillerRepublican · West Virginia
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia
Jay ObernolteRepublican · California
Jimmy PanettaDemocrat · California
Brittany PettersenDemocrat · Colorado
Raul RuizDemocrat · California
Terri SewellDemocrat · Alabama
W. SteubeRepublican · Florida
Kim SchrierDemocrat · Washington
Claudia TenneyRepublican · New York
Beth Van DuyneRepublican · Texas
Eugene VindmanDemocrat · Virginia
Rudy YakymRepublican · Indiana