Bill > HB0195

This bill amends Tennessee's healthcare regulations to establish separate reimbursement rates for rural and urban ambulance services provided to TennCare (Tennessee's Medicaid program) recipients. Specifically, the bill defines rural and urban ambulance services based on the location of patient pick-up, using federal census and statistical area definitions. Urban ambulance services will be reimbursed at a minimum of 67.5% of Medicare's allowable charge, while rural ambulance services will be reimbursed at 100% of Medicare's allowable charge. The bill also allows for-profit rural ambulance service providers to receive emergency medical services equipment grants. Additionally, the Tennessee Bureau of TennCare is required to seek intergovernmental fund transfers to potentially increase reimbursement rates and develop a program similar to the federal Emergency Triage, Treat, and Transport (ET3) model. The bill aims to provide financial support and incentives for ambulance services, particularly in rural areas, and goes into effect immediately upon becoming law.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0195&ga=114