Bill > AB1328

This bill addresses several key provisions related to Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid program) reimbursements for nonemergency ambulance transportation services. Starting July 1, 2027, the bill mandates that Medi-Cal fee-for-service reimbursement for nonemergency ambulance transportation will be set at 80% of the federal Medicare ambulance fee schedule, adjusted by the Geographic Practice Cost Index. The bill requires the Department of Health Care Services to establish a managed care directed payment program that matches these reimbursement rates. The legislation also expands who can certify the medical necessity for such transportation services, allowing either physicians or certain non-physician healthcare professionals to complete certification. Additionally, the bill modernizes mileage documentation requirements for medical transportation providers, permitting them to use GPS tracking, digital mapping software, or other reasonable mechanisms in addition to traditional odometer readings. The bill emphasizes maximizing federal financial participation and intends to ensure sufficient state funding to support these new reimbursement levels. These changes aim to improve transportation services for low-income Medi-Cal recipients by providing more flexible and potentially more sustainable reimbursement and documentation practices.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1328