Improvements to Medicare payment system for air ambulance services

Section 1834(l) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m(l)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (18) Improvements to Medicare payment system for air ambulance services (A) In general The Secretary may revise the fee schedule otherwise established under this subsection for air ambulance services based on data described in subparagraph (B) and data collected under subparagraph (C). (B) Data described For purposes of subparagraph (A), the data described in this subparagraph is data collected pursuant to the provisions of, and amendments made by, section 106 of division BB of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law 116–260). (C) Additional data collection The Secretary shall require, once every 3 years, providers of services and suppliers furnishing air ambulance services to submit to the Secretary— (i) data relating to the fixed and operated costs per air ambulance base attributable to furnishing air ambulance services to individuals enrolled under this part and data relating to the utilization of such services by such individuals; (ii) data relating to the revenue obtained by such providers and suppliers under this part attributable to the furnishing of such services; and (iii) any other information determined appropriate by the Secretary. (D) Consultation In the case that the Secretary elects to revise the fee schedule for air ambulance services under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider stakeholder input in a process that is transparent and appropriately considers data described in subparagraph (B) and data collected under subparagraph (C)..