CommercialPrior AuthMedium impact
MPC December 2025
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska·NE · Emergency Medicine, Critical Care·Medical Policy
Effective date
Mar 9, 2026
We identified it
Jun 24, 2026
Summary
BCBS Nebraska is implementing a new policy requiring preauthorization for all non-urgent air ambulance transport effective March 9, 2026. Full medical/clinical details must be provided to demonstrate medical necessity including that the patient requires acute care, services unavailable at originating facility, and cannot be safely transported by ground or commercial air.
Action Required
Before March 9, 2026: Clinical staff must implement preauthorization process for all non-urgent air ambulance transports for BCBS Nebraska members. Update EMR templates to document that patient requires acute inpatient care, services unavailable at originating facility, receiving hospital is nearest with required capabilities, patient cannot be safely discharged, and ground/commercial transport is not safe option. Train staff on new authorization requirements as claims without preauth will be denied.