Bill > HB5695

This bill requires the state department to establish and administer a program to provide additional payments to eligible ground emergency medical transportation providers who serve individuals covered by Medicaid, which is a federal and state program providing health coverage to low-income individuals. Specifically, within 90 days of receiving cost reports from at least two eligible providers, the department must begin the process of amending the state's Medicaid plan to create this supplemental reimbursement program. The program will be limited to costs allowed under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, which governs Medicaid, and the state will seek federal funding for these allowable expenditures, ensuring that only eligible costs are claimed. To be eligible for this extra payment, a provider must offer ground emergency medical transportation to Medicaid recipients, be enrolled as a Medicaid provider, and be owned or operated by an eligible governmental entity, such as a city, county, or federally recognized Indian tribe. The supplemental reimbursement will be calculated based on the federal financial participation received for the provider's costs, ensuring that the total reimbursement from all sources does not exceed 100% of the actual cost of the service. Providers must provide necessary documentation to the department to determine the reimbursement amount, and these payments will be made for services provided on a fee-for-service basis and to managed care recipients. Participation in this program is voluntary for providers.