Woman wakes from cardiac rescue to $65K bill due to 'pre-authorization' hurdle. AI may be to blame

Amanda Boley was charged $65,000 after not getting "pre-approval" for emergency helicopter transport during cardiac arrest.

WASHINGTON — When Amanda Boley suffered cardiac arrest, she needed life-saving emergency transport to the nearest trauma center. Six weeks later, while still recovering, she received a $65,000 bill after her insurance company denied coverage.

The reason? The insurance company claimed she needed "pre-authorization" for the flight — while she was unconscious and fighting for her life.

"I was dead and then I was unconscious," Boley said.

Boley suffered cardiac arrest last October. Emergency responders determined she needed care at a Level One trauma center, but the closest facility was 44 miles away.

With no time to spare, paramedics airlifted Boley by helicopter. She regained consciousness two days later.

"I woke up, I had IVs everywhere out my neck, my arms, I was intubated, my arms were restrained to the bed," Boley said. "And I remember looking and I knew immediately this is a hospital." 

Six weeks later, still recovering from her ordeal, Boley received a $65,000 bill for her emergency helicopter transport. Her insurance company, Anthem, denied coverage stating Boley needed "pre-authorization" for the flight.

"That night I was dead and then I was unconscious," Boley said. "I don't know how I'm supposed to get pre-approval."

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