Waltham, MA, April 14, 2026—Air ambulances can be lifesaving for workers with severe job‑related injuries, and their costs vary widely across states. A new FlashReport from the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) examines air ambulance use and payments in workers’ compensation claims across 32 states.

“Air ambulances play a critical role in workers’ compensation by providing rapid emergency transport for workers with severe or life‑threatening injuries,” said Sebastian Negrusa, vice president of research at WCRI. “This study helps clarify key questions about costs and access to services, particularly in remote areas.”

The study finds wide variation in average payments for air ambulance services across states. It also highlights ongoing legal uncertainty over who has authority to regulate air ambulance pricing, as providers and states differ on whether federal law preempts state workers’ compensation fee schedules. This uncertainty has contributed to wide variation in air ambulance payments across states.

The study addresses:

  • How frequently air ambulance services are used in workers’ compensation claims and how use differs between rural and non‑rural areas.
  • Differences in air ambulance use and payment levels across states.
  • Changes in payments for air ambulance services over time and how trends in payment growth vary by state.

The analysis for Use and Cost of Air Ambulance Transport Services in Workers’ Compensation—A WCRI FlashReport is based on workers’ compensation claims from 32 states covering injuries through 2024. The states include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

The study is free for WCRI members and available for purchase by nonmembers.

About WCRI

The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI), based in Waltham, MA, is an independent, not‑for‑profit research organization founded in 1983. WCRI provides objective information through studies and data collection that follow recognized scientific methods and rigorous peer review. The Institute does not make recommendations or take positions on the issues it researches, ensuring neutrality and credibility. Funding for WCRI’s research comes from its diverse membership, which includes employers, insurers, government agencies, managed care companies, health care providers, regulators, labor organizations, and state, federal, and international agencies.

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