Air Methods Kentucky

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December 22, 2008

KAPA Legislative Committee Receives National Recognition

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — The Kentucky Ambulance Providers Association (KAPA) has received national recognition as an example of how a state ambulance association can have an impact on national ambulance legislation.

KAPA was presented with the American Ambulance Association’s 2008 Partnership Award at the AAA’s national conference in Las Vegas on December 2, where they were credited with being instrumental in getting EMS added to national Homeland Security Grant programs and for obtaining an increase in Medicare reimbursements that will help struggling ambulance services across the nation.

The Partnership Award, presented by AAA President Jim McPartlon, is presented to individuals who have made an outstanding commitment of time and resources in accomplishing a specific objective or project for the AAA. KAPA was nominated for this award because of its federal legislative activities and for its partnership with AAA during those trips.

Congressional visits by the KAPA legislative committee began in 2003 and were the idea of the former STATCARE’s director. Air Methods continues to support these important meetings in our nation’s capital.

Tristan North, AAA Senior Vice President for Government Affairs, said “The Kentucky Ambulance Providers Association was instrumental in securing much needed Medicare ambulance relief and served as an important partner on other key industry initiatives, such as additional homeland security funding for EMS providers.”

On July 15, the U.S. House of Representatives and the United States Senate both voted to override the President's veto of the physician fix package which included an ambulance provision that took effect immediately. The physician fix package, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (H.R. 6331), contains an 18-month Medicare increase of up to 3% for ambulance service providers.

Less than three months earlier KAPA had met with and obtained the support of each Kentucky congressmen, including key support from Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

“The success of Air Methods Kentucky depends on the success of Kentucky ’s ambulance providers,” said John Hultgren, a program development manager for Air Methods Kentucky and KAPA board member appointed to the legislative committee. “We’ve been very successful in educating our Congressmen on the challenges EMS faces today.”

“Homeland Security funding initially defined ‘first responder’ as police and fire, ignoring the role EMS plays. With the assistance of Rep. Hal Rodgers, Kentucky ’s Fifth District representative who was then chairman of the Homeland Security Budget Committee, EMS was added to the Assistance to Firefighter Grant eligibility, which has provided a financial benefit to Kentucky EMS providers,” Hultgren said.

“Rep. Ron Lewis, Kentucky ’s Second District representative who sits on the House Committee on Ways and Means, has definitely been a friend of EMS and has been instrumental in health initiatives. And Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who as Jefferson County Judge Executive was responsible for operating an EMS agency in Louisville, was instrumental in getting a Medicare increase worth hundreds of millions added this year to help offset the dramatic rise in fuel costs, even over the objection of President Bush,” Hultgren said.

“The relationships we have developed on Capitol Hill have definitely paid off, not only for Kentucky ’s EMS providers, but for all ambulance services across the nation. And it’s one of the things I’m very proud that Air Methods is actively involved with. I’m still hopeful we will make progress soon on extending the federal death benefit to private emergency medical service providers,” said Hultgren.

Accepting the award on behalf of KAPA were: Mark Harrison (Marshall County EMS and KAPA president), John Hultgren (Air Methods Kentucky and KAPA board member), Joe Prewitt (Nelson County EMS and KAPA board member), and John Blumenstock (Golden Hour Data and former KAPA board member).

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About Air Methods Kentucky

Air Methods Kentucky is a full-service air medical transport system covering Kentucky and southern Indiana. Founded in 1982 as the first civilian air medical program in Kentucky, in 1995 it became the first air medical program in the state to earn CAMTS (Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems) accreditation. It operates 10 helicopter ambulances and one fixed wing ambulance throughout its region, with state offices headquartered in Lexington. With a mission of safety, quality, and integrity, Air Methods Kentucky is committed to providing its patients and medical and emergency service partners with a high level of care and professionalism. For more information about Air Methods Kentucky, visit http://www.airmethodsky.com.

About Air Methods Corporation

Air Methods Kentucky is owned by Air Methods Corporation (NASDAQ: AIRM), the nation’s largest provider of air medical emergency transport services and systems. The company is dedicated exclusively to air medical transport, focusing on the quality of care to patients, and safety in aviation operations. With 27 years of experience, the company transports more than 84,000 patients annually who require intensive medical care from either the scene of an accident or general care hospitals to highly skilled trauma centers or tertiary care centers. For more information about Air Methods Corporation, visit http://www.airmethods.com.