CALSTAR/REACH Air Ambulance BARF Membership

[budman]

Barfers and Lurkers!

**EDIT

Hey Barfer's,

This is, Tracy, your rep for the area. I have been promoting Membership for over 6 years.

"BARF" Discounted Calstar/Reach Membership...…... Group Code is: 11380-CA-BUS
https://www.airmedcarenetwork.com/msm/tracy-shearer/ **END EDIT***




We are officially partnering with the AirMedCare Network to help you potentially save tens of thousands of dollars in case you might have the need to be airlifted for any reason. Anyone in your family household actually. That means for myself, my wife and daughter are included in the coverage.

This covers you in most of the country actually so if you are a racer travelling it is awesome to have. If you are a long distance rider or traveler you get the benefit of coverage almost anywhere you might be. Of course nobody wants to use it, but knowing it is there is a good thing. So here is some info provided for your review. The application is also attached. Your membership helps keep our site healthy and real advertising noise to a minimum, which is for sure appreciated.

What is the benefit of an AirMedCare Network membership?
Although a person does not have to be a member to be transported, membership offers several important benefits:
Air Evac Lifeteam, REACH Air Medical Services, EagleMedand Med-Trans Corporation are participating members of the AirMedCare Network, the largest Air Ambulance membership network in the United States, with over 2.5 million members.
All AirMedCare Network service providers work cooperatively to provide the highest level of care.
AirMedCareNetwork will work on behalf of the member’s benefits provider to secure payment for their flight,with any uncovered amount considered to be fully prepaid.
Members who are transported by an AirMedCareNetwork aircraft will not receive a bill for the flight.
The membership is valid in all of our service areas so a member is covered while traveling in those areas.
Uninsured?A member will not receive a bill for their flight.

What is AirMedCare Network?
A thirty-two state network of AirMedCare Network’s 265 (and growing) helicopter fleet- the largest such network in the world and most comprehensive coverage in California. This means your coverage is in more areas with more helicopters than any other service.

How did the AirMedCare Network membership program get started?
Our Network of Providers were among the first air ambulance services to offer a membership program, similar to the ground ambulance and rural fire department programs throughout the United States. The founders knew that for the service to survive in a rural area, they would need other sources of funding besides the traditional fee-for-service billing. Additionally, the founders knew that the service would be costly, and therefore offered a membership program to assist families with the cost and alleviate the financial burden associated.

See their FAQ below.

Latest news from Tracy.
news Release 7/25/18
THIS IS EXCITING NEWS!!!!!!!!

WATSONVILLE >> CALSTAR Air Medical Services is working to open an air medical transport base at Watsonville Municipal Airport this fall.
“We want to be closer to Santa Cruz County residents,” said John Bettencourt, regional director of service delivery at Reach Holdings, CALSTAR’s parent company.
Santa Cruz County does not have a trauma center, so anyone seriously injured in a highway crash or suffering a gunshot wound are taken to facilities in Salinas or San Jose. If the transport is via helicopter, that ride can cost $30,000, according to the U.S. General Accountability Office.


CALSTAR air medical transports are a subscription service.
A member pays $85 a year; that covers out-of-pocket expenses for a medically-necessary flight by providers in the 320-base AirMedCare Network for anyone in the household. For senior households, the price is $65 a year.
Dr. Dave Ghilarducci, EMS medical director with the Santa Cruz County EMS Agency, welcomes CALSTAR.
“This is advantageous because it would shorten response times for air ambulances, provide increased availability, and on foggy days when an ambulance can’t fly,” he said, noting the current ambulance provider, AMR, determined Santa Cruz County has the traffic volume to support the new service.


Recruiting began last month for pilots, flight nurses, paramedics and an aircraft maintenance technician to staff the new Watsonville base.
CALSTAR’s plans call for an Airbus EC 135 helicopter. That model can carry two crew and two patients and is capable of flight under instrument flight rules and with GPS for transports to and from Dominican Hospital in inclement weather.
CALSTAR has been servicing Santa Cruz County from its air medical transport base in Salinas, and Anna McNamara-Blair, the vice president of service delivery, is familiar with the area, having grown up in Santa Cruz and started her career as a volunteer firefighter in the San Lorenzo Valley.


Rayvon Williams, Watsonville Airport manager, said he reached out to CALSTAR in 2016 and began discussions but it wasn’t until this year that CALSTAR decided to go ahead.
“I saw the consolidation in the industry,” said Williams.
CALSTAR became a subsidiary in 2016 of REACH Air Medical, a privately held company and part of Air Medical Group Holdings, a company in the portfolio of global investment firm KKR since 2015.
AMR, which provides ambulance service in three dozen states including Santa Cruz County, has been owned by Air Medical Group Holdings since March.




PRICING

The agency found the median price charged for helicopter air ambulance service doubled from $15,000 in 2010 to $30,000 in 2014.


My comments:
****This is why Membership is so important and saves thousands of dollars, with no out of pocket cost when you are a Membership.

Get signed up today!!!
https://www.amcnrep.com/tracy-shearer

 

[budman]

FYI

CALSTAR Brings Home Two Major Awards from AMTC 2016

SACRAMENTO – (December 20, 2016) – The Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS) held their annual Air Medical Transport Conference (AMTC) on December 13-15, 2016 in Charlotte, NC. As the largest air medical convention and conference, AMTC is specifically designed to provide leadership, education, and up-to-date information on the latest techniques and innovative approaches to emergency medical transport practices from experts in the industry. In addition to expositions and 150+ education sessions covering topics in a variety of disciplines, awards are presented in eleven categories, including Community Service, Transport Leadership, Neonatal/Pediatric Transports, Critical Care Ground Transports, Fixed Wing Service, Safety, Transport Mechanic, Research and Education, Aviation Safety, Lifetime Achievement, and Program of the Year. Winners are selected by a judging panel comprised of industry experts from across the nation.
We are very proud to share with you that CALSTAR took home two of those awards.

2016 PROGRAM OF THE YEAR – CALSTAR
The Program of the Year Award recognizes an emergency medical program that demonstrates a superior level of patient care, quality leadership through visionary and innovative approaches, customer service, safety consciousness, marketing ingenuity, community service and commitment to the medical transport community as a whole. As the 2016 award-winner, CALSTAR was acknowledged for the organization’s transformative journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the West Coast’s most respected emergency air ambulance programs.
Since first launching in 1984, CALSTAR has provided life-saving air medical transport in an effort to speed rehabilitation and improve outcomes for more than 60,000 victims of critical illness or injury. Operating from eleven air medical bases that stretch across California, CALSTAR has been a vital part of the state’s emergency medical services, adapting when needed in an ever-changing industry, while at the same time advancing medical and education initiatives in health care to benefit both professionals and patients alike.
The organization is exceptionally dedicated to the advancement of emergency medical services, and takes great pride in working alongside EMS, law enforcement, hospitals and health systems to further develop excellence in patient care for the benefit of all. In addition, CALSTAR’s long-standing commitment to safety has resulted in a company-wide culture that empowers every individual to play an active role in safe operations—a commendable achievement by any measure.

2016 EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD – CALSTAR
AAMS' Excellence in Community Service Award recognizes an emergency medical transport program that demonstrates an outstanding history of leadership and substantial involvement in service projects that contribute to the quality of life within the communities they serve. This year’s honor was received by CALSTAR for the organization’s contributions to the “Every 15 Minutes” program, which strives to educate High School students on the dangers of driving while distracted or impaired.
As a dedicate partner in safety, CALSTAR supports the California Highway Patrol and Office of Traffic Safety by taking part in multiple events each year, providing simulated medical care and mock patient transports in an effort to demonstrate the harsh realities of impaired driving, thereby educating students and encouraging behaviors that could save the lives of family, friends, and themselves—ultimately reducing traffic casualties and the need for emergency services related to these incidents.

 

[CALSTAR/REACH]

Thanks so much for all the hard work by Dennis and others- we're very excited about providing a terrific program to all BARF members and his creating an "official" place for us. I've read so many good things about CALSTAR, REACH and the support BARF has been providing for years. Keep in mind- anyone on BARF can sign up. You don't have to live in a certain city, county or state- so tell your friends, they can come on and save a few bucks on Membership, support Teh BARF all the while getting the same big ticket benefit.

With Spring upon us, and the many riders that brings, we'd love to see a lot of people enroll so they have the peace of mind of being financially covered.

FAQ

What is the benefit of membership to you?
Although you do not have to be a member to be transported, membership offers several important benefits:

First, as one of more than 2.6 million members, AirMedCare Network Providers will work on your behalf with your benefits provider to secure payment for your flight, with any uncovered amounts considered to be fully prepaid. As such, members who are transported by AirMedCare Network will not receive a bill for the flight. Importantly, your membership is valid in all of our service areas so you are covered while traveling in those areas. If they determine air medical transport is needed, they will dispatch one of our ambulance providers.

Second, becoming an AirMedCare Network member is a good way to support the health care needs of your local community. Our membership base - the largest of its kind in the United States - helps us operate in rural areas where having a quick response time to critical medical situations can save lives.

What is included in my membership?
Members are entitled to transport (when available) by an AirMedCare Network provider to the closest appropriate medical facility for medical conditions deemed by an attending medical professional to be life- or limb-threatening, or that could lead to permanent disability. Members also receive a welcome packet complete with auto stickers and membership cards. Members have the peace of mind knowing that they will receive no out-of-pocket expense for their flights.

Can I cover all of my family on the membership?
With an AirMedCare Network household membership, any person or persons who reside under one (residential) roof can be covered. In the event we have a member who lives in a duplex or apartment complex, we designate the primary member’s residence/address, and that is considered the “one roof”. Undergraduate college students can be covered under their parent’s membership as well as anyone previously residing in the household who is then moved to a permanent care facility.

Does my primary insurance cover the cost of an AMCN provider transport? If so, how much?
This answer varies, with each insurance company offering different plans and coverage. It is up to your individual insurance company as to whether they will cover the cost of a transport, as well as to the amount of economic burden placed on the patent via a co-pay or deductible. We recommend that you contact your insurance company directly to obtain detailed coverage information.

My insurance company says they will cover 100% so why do I need this membership?
Most insurance companies will pay 100% of what they deem an allowable amount for air ambulance or emergent ground, which does not necessarily mean that the total cost of the transport will be covered. Additionally, people frequently change insurance companies and plan designs. You will want to check with your individual insurance company to find out exactly how much they will cover in the case of an AMCN transport. Lastly, your insurance may decide that the flight does not fit a specific parameter covered under your policy and deny payment. Membership will cover the cost of the flight for you, even if your insurance does not.

Who determines if and when I will be flown?
If your medical emergency meets certain criteria, such as a heart attack, stroke or a traumatic injury and the 911 dispatcher determines you would benefit from emergent ground or air medical transport, they may dispatch an air ambulance to your emergency, as well as a ground ambulance. Hospital-to-hospital transfers are ordered by physicians. In the event that the AirMedCare Network Operations Center receive a call for emergency help from an individual or source other than a healthcare or emergency services agency, AirMedCare Network Providers communication specialists will identify and contact the ground EMS service in the patient's community and ask them to respond to the scene. If they determine air medical transport is needed, they will dispatch one of our air ambulance provider’s In short, any trained medical professional can make the determination that a transport is necessary.

Does a membership ensure that AirMedCare Network will fly me, no matter what type of medical care I need?
Air ambulances are valuable and scarce resources that should be reserved for those times when a patient is facing a life-or-limb threatening emergency and it is in their best interest to get to medical care in a timely fashion. AirMedCare Network Providers will not transport patients by air if air transportation is not believed to be appropriate.

Who decides where to fly the patients?
When an air ambulance provider is called, time is of the essence. Patients in life threatening situations often need specialty centers to provide the interventions needed. AirMedCare Network Providers will take a patient to the closest appropriate medical facility as determined by physicians or EMS personnel. Whenever possible, physicians or EMS personnel consult with the patient or the patient's families as these decisions are being made.

Latest Coverage Map
http://www.airmedcarenetwork.com/coverage


Full FAQ
http://www.airmedcarenetwork.com/membership/membership-faqs

 

[Hoho]

We never heard back about people who are signed up to both Reach and Calstar last year? When I called, they told me to sign up to both and there would be an announcement as to what would happen to my membership to both. So far, I haven't heard anything about that, unless I missed it?

 

[CALSTAR/REACH]

We never heard back about people who are signed up to both Reach and Calstar last year? When I called, they told me to sign up to both and there would be an announcement as to what would happen to my membership to both. So far, I haven't heard anything about that, unless I missed it?

Great question. Those holding a valid REACH or CALSTAR membership were all rolled into the new program for the balance of their one year membership- free.

If you're due for renewal, simply give us a call and let the call taker know your are part of BARF and have those codes in Bud's post above. Be sure to review with them who is listed "under your roof" and just update that with the call taker.

Blue skies & tailwinds!

 

[CALSTAR/REACH]

And the network keeps growing;

Bishop, CA came on board just a few weeks ago and now another 62 bases added!

LEWISVILLE, Texas, April 18, 2017 - Air Medical Group Holdings, Inc. (AMGH), a leading air medical transport and emergency medical service provider, has agreed to acquire Air Medical Resource Group (AMRG) of South Jordan, Utah. AMRG has operations in 15 states, including Alaska and Hawaii.

Lewisville-based AMGH already has hundreds of critical care aircraft in operation. With the acquisition of AMRG it will add 62 bases and new geographies to its customer service footprint.

"AMGH is delighted to add AMRG's unique and widespread rotor and fixed-wing operations and markets such as Alaska and Hawaii, enabling us to partner to provide medical transport solutions to even more regions of the U.S.” said AMGH CEO Fred Buttrell. "AMRG's President Joseph Hunt and his leadership team have built an enviable record of customer engagement at the local level that will work nicely with existing AMGH operations and we look forward to their service contributions in the future."

AMRG President Hunt said, "We are joining one of, if not the finest, medical transport organizations in America, and we very much welcome the opportunity to continue to grow as a significant part of that organization. Our commitment to AMGH is to continue to successfully meet and exceed patient expectations for providing the ultimate in medical care in a safe environment in their emergent time of need."

AMRG companies include Eagle Air Med serving parts of Arizona, New Mexico, South Dakota, Colorado and Utah; Hawaii Life Flight in Hawaii; Guardian Flight in Alaska, Wyoming and Utah; Gallup Med Flight and MedStar in New Mexico; Aeromed in Puerto Rico; Valley Med Flight in North Dakota, Michigan, Montana, Wisconsin and Minnesota; Alaska Regional LifeFlight in Alaska; MountainStar AirCare operating in parts of Idaho, Wyoming and Utah; AeroCare Medical Transport serving the Navajo Nation in Arizona and the Four Corners region; and Wiregrass Life Flight serving Alabama.

About Air Medical Group Holdings
Air Medical Group Holdings Inc., headquartered in Lewisville, Texas, is one of the leading providers of medical transportation in the U.S. Through its subsidiary companies, which include Air Evac Life Team, AirMedCare Network, AirMed International, Lifeguard Ambulance, Med-Trans Corporation, and Reach Air Medical Services; AMGH can deliver the appropriate transport solution to their communities and partners in the U.S. and around the world. For more information, visit www.amgh.com.

 

[MtnRider]

Link in your signature line doesn't seem to work for me.

I went to the file in the original post for it

 

[Enchanter]

Link in your signature line doesn't seem to work for me.

I went to the file in the original post for it

Thanks- that's a bit weird...

The link is to a pdf, not a webpage. It works for me on a laptop. It may not work on some mobile devices.

 

[MtnRider]

The link is to a pdf, not a webpage. It works for me on a laptop. It may not work on some mobile devices.

I tried on desktop from work, didn't work but I was able to get the pdf on the original post. Like I said there is a good chance it's just me :nerd

Hey but another BUMP for a great thing! :thumbup

 

[CALSTAR/REACH]

I wound up deleting it to avoid confusion/success/failure/phone brand/etc. LOL.

Pop up to Post #1 by the Budman- it has it.

 

[gixxerkid]

Silly question but I only ask because I couldn't seem to locate the answer to my question. Where do we e-mail, fax or mail our application to?

 

[CALSTAR/REACH]

Silly question but I only ask because I couldn't seem to locate the answer to my question. Where do we e-mail, fax or mail our application to?

It's right on the form sir.

 

[HeatXfer]

Received my CALSTAR/REACH AirMedCare renewal notice in the mail last week. This is the first time I've seen the renewal notice with the new name. The nationwide coverage is awesome, but none in Wash state or Utah. Not complaining, there's great coverage around Klamath and Bend (Winema & Willamette Nat'l Forests) where I love to ride and around Beaverhead Nat'l Forest in Montana.

Fantastic insurance for less than .20 ₵ a day.

 

[CALSTAR/REACH]

Received my CALSTAR/REACH AirMedCare renewal notice in the mail last week. This is the first time I've seen the renewal notice with the new name. The nationwide coverage is awesome, but none in Wash state or Utah. Not complaining, there's great coverage around Klamath and Bend (Winema & Willamette Nat'l Forests) where I love to ride and around Beaverhead Nat'l Forest in Montana.

Fantastic insurance for less than .20 ₵ a day.

Thanks for joining!

I posted above about a new acquisition, the additional 60+ bases should be on board within a couple months, they cover a swing area where you describe (although I don't know the area up there at all). These acquisitions are expected to continue- we're growing, growing, growing!

 

[HeatXfer]

Thanks for joining!

I posted above about a new acquisition, the additional 60+ bases should be on board within a couple months, they cover a swing area where you describe (although I don't know the area up there at all). These acquisitions are expected to continue- we're growing, growing, growing!

:thumbup You guys & gals are awesome!

 

[abominablestein]

Will CALSTAR/REACH provide coverage of Enloe Flightcare too?

It looks like Enloe is affiliated with "Association of Air Medical Membership Programs", while CALSTAR/REACH is "AirMedCare Network".

Are those 2 somehow linked? I read somewhere that REACH had a partnership with them... just wanted confirmation.

Thanks!

 

[CALSTAR/REACH]

Will CALSTAR/REACH provide coverage of Enloe Flightcare too?

It looks like Enloe is affiliated with "Association of Air Medical Membership Programs", while CALSTAR/REACH is "AirMedCare Network".

Are those 2 somehow linked? I read somewhere that REACH had a partnership with them... just wanted confirmation.

Thanks!

I'm afraid not, all the reciprocity agreements went away in the merger- our program is now by far the largest in the US, if not the world. :thumbup

 

[Butch]

I just joined yesterday, as the Kaiser plan I have now does not cover transportation untill the $6800 deduct has been met, and then, I can't even figure out if "air ambulance" is covered.

Some places love to give helo rides. Which is good, just the $40K is tough for an individual to sometimes bear. Bare?

 

[CALSTAR/REACH]

I just joined yesterday, as the Kaiser plan I have now does not cover transportation untill the $6800 deduct has been met, and then, I can't even figure out if "air ambulance" is covered.

Some places love to give helo rides. Which is good, just the $40K is tough for an individual to sometimes bear. Bare?

Thanks for becoming a member! :thumbup

 

[John Hilmer]

John,

I've been a member for a long time and so thankful for what you provide.

Every new rider I meet gets a lecture on becoming covered and supporting your efforts/cause.

Of course, I hope that I'll never need your help.

It is comforting to know, that if needed, you folks will be there and I won't be faced with the cost of such a service at what is a real value.

I don't see how our meager contributions as members offsets the real costs that you provide. I hope that what the members pay to be enlisted helps enough, though Ive no clue.

Thanks for what you do, and the money be hanged

John