Child’s Emergency Flight Denied Despite Urgent Medical Need
When 5-year-old Gracelyn Guyette fractured her elbow in February 2022, her parents grew increasingly concerned as she appeared unusually disoriented. Her mother, Chrystal Guyette, recalled that her daughter seemed listless, with distant-looking eyes. Doctors determined Gracelyn needed immediate surgery and recommended she be flown to a hospital with a pediatric orthopedic surgeon. The family agreed to the air ambulance transport, which cost nearly $60,000.
However, the family was later stunned when their insurance provider, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, denied the claim. Multiple appeals from both the Guyettes and the air ambulance provider were rejected. Eventually, after media coverage of the case, Anthem reversed its decision and paid the claim, stating it had received new medical information during a second-level appeal. Gracelyn’s father, Brian, noted the approved appeal was identical to previous ones and believed media pressure played a decisive role.
Cardiac Arrest Patient Challenged Preapproval Policy
Amanda Boley faced a similar battle after collapsing from cardiac arrest in October 2024 while walking her dog. She was unconscious by the time paramedics arrived and was flown via air ambulance to a trauma center. The $65,000 air ambulance transport was deemed medically necessary — but her insurance denied the claim, citing a lack of preapproval.
Boley questioned how anyone in her condition could obtain prior authorization. Despite filing two appeals, the denial stood until Anthem later admitted it had made a mistake in processing her claim. The company explained that emergency air ambulance services do not require prior approval and acknowledged a failure to obtain necessary documentation at the time.
Air Ambulance Billing Raises Broader Concerns
These cases highlight a growing issue surrounding air ambulance services: costly emergency transports that are not always immediately covered by insurance. Anthem emphasized that it relies on accurate and complete medical information from providers to make coverage decisions. Both the Guyette and Boley families eventually saw their claims approved, but only after extended battles and public attention.
