{
  "generated_on": "2026-07-31",
  "cms_schedule_year": 2026,
  "cms_locality_rows": 109,
  "benchmark_distance_miles": 100,
  "latest_faa_reporting_year": 2022,
  "latest_faa_reporting_operators": 65,
  "latest_faa_reported_helicopters": 1283,
  "latest_faa_reported_patients": 364079,
  "approved_operator_assignments": 0,
  "sprinkle_explicit_name_current_links": 2,
  "strict_name_operator_candidates": 16,
  "faa_strict_name_aircraft_rows": 185,
  "faa_valid_n_number_rows": 184,
  "sprinkle_matched_aircraft": 180,
  "sprinkle_active_aircraft": 179,
  "sprinkle_aircraft_with_year": 168,
  "fixed_wing_urban_100_mile_median_usd": 4982.72,
  "rotary_wing_urban_100_mile_median_usd": 7441.9,
  "rotary_wing_rural_100_mile_median_usd": 11163.35,
  "rotary_wing_rural_100_mile_min_usd": 10644.78,
  "rotary_wing_rural_100_mile_max_usd": 12607.91,
  "methodology": "A 100-mile Medicare payment benchmark equals the CMS locality-specific air base rate plus 100 times the corresponding air mileage rate. FAA annual figures are transcribed from the agency's reports to Congress.",
  "caveat": "These are Medicare payment-schedule benchmarks, not provider charges, negotiated insurance payments, patient bills or estimates of an individual person's liability. No Sprinkle operator is classified as an approved air-ambulance provider."
}