SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – Residents of Regional West Medical Center’s service area can now join a new membership program offered by the company that operates the hospital’s Air Link air ambulance service. For a low annual enrollment fee, members of this program pay no out-of-pocket costs if an emergency requires them to use Air Link air ambulance or another participating partner of the AirMedCare Network.

This membership program is offered by Med-Trans Corporation and is available for individuals and families for as little as $50 a year. The program covers air medical transport services throughout the AirMedCare Network with over 150 locations in 23 states. The AirMedCare Network works with a member's insurance company or benefits providers to secure payment for Air Link flights. Whatever a member's insurance company or benefits provider pays is then considered payment-in-full for an Air Link flight. Further information is available by calling Med-Trans at 1-866-751-4515 or visiting www.mtcmembership.com.

“Air Link is a lifesaving resource, but helicopters are very expensive to operate,” said Bron Caddell, Business Development-Membership Manager at Med-Trans. “Many insurance companies pay for only part of the cost of an emergency air transport, and the remaining portion of the bill can cause a financial hardship for some patients. This new program offers financial peace of mind in the event that you or someone you love needs emergency air transport.”

Regional West Health Services, Scottsbluff, Neb., is the parent company for Regional West Medical Center and Regional West Physicians Clinic. These organizations, with over 1,800 employees, provide comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people and communities of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. With over 110 active physicians, 95 percent of whom are board certified or board eligible, plus an additional 25 consulting specialists, the Regional West family of health care organizations offers care that spans more than 30 medical specialties.