Air Methods (NASDAQ:AIRM), the global leader in emergency air medical services, announced today that it has reached an agreement with Blue Cross of Idaho, the leading health insurer in Idaho. The new agreement allows Blue Cross of Idaho members access to Air Methods’ life-saving emergency air medical services in Idaho.

“No matter where our members live – from the growing Treasure Valley metropolis to Genesee up in Palouse country or Lava Hot Springs in southeastern Idaho – they need access to quality care at the right time,” said Todd York, Director of Provider Network Management for Blue Cross of Idaho. “Finding that care, especially for our members living in rural or remote areas of Idaho, can be a challenge. That’s why we’re pleased to add Air Methods to our list of in-network providers. Their emergency air service brings peace of mind to our members during an emergency medical event.”

Air Methods has over 300 bases of operations serving 48 states that operate around-the-clock, 365 days per year. These bases extend the reach of hospitals and trauma centers providing critical access, particularly in rural communities. With a team of more than 5,000 professionals, including highly skilled pilots, clinicians, aviation maintenance technicians and support teams, Air Methods has provided more than 2.5 million patient transports since 1980.

“At Air Methods, our top priority is serving patients and providing access to life-saving care at any moment,” said Mike Allen, President of Air Medical Services at Air Methods. “In the midst of a medical emergency, people shouldn’t have to worry about insurance coverage for critical services. That’s why we’re committed to working with insurers like Blue Cross of Idaho to reach in-network agreements that ensure patients have affordable access to our emergency services.”

Each year, more than half a million critically-ill or seriously-injured patients rely on emergency air medicine for lifesaving care.