PHI Air Medical has confirmed that Caldwell County Commissioners Court renewed its PHI Cares air medical agreement, effective from 1 October 2025 through 30 September 2026. The decision means residents requiring authorised emergency helicopter transport within Caldwell County or surrounding areas will face no out-of-pocket expenses when flown by PHI Air Medical or a cooperative partner.

Since 2010, hundreds of flights have been covered under the agreement. PHI Med 14 flight nurse Zane Atencio carries a personal connection to this work, having been flown as a baby to neonatal intensive care by a PHI team in Phoenix. He joined PHI in 2019, specialising in high-risk obstetric and neonatal transport.

County judge Hoppy Hayden says: “The people of the Caldwell County are a main priority, and the agreement between Caldwell County and PHI Cares protects residents by offering vital, life-saving services in times of emergency.”

The agreement applies to residents not on Medicaid, those without insurance, or those without third-party coverage. PHI works directly with insurers to ensure medically necessary flights carry no additional costs. Medicare participants also benefit, with PHI Cares covering co-insurance and gaps not fully reimbursed under Medicare Parts A and B.

From 1 October, households may also purchase coast-to-coast PHI Cares membership for $40 annually, extending coverage for family members travelling outside the county.