Bill > HB2531

This bill aims to align the quality assurance fee for the ambulance transport fund with federal regulations by modifying existing state laws. Specifically, it adjusts how the add-on to Medicaid fee-for-service payments for emergency ambulance transports is calculated, ensuring it is determined annually and reflects the available fee amount, which is funded by the quality assurance fee and federal reimbursement. The bill also revises the calculation of the quality assurance fee rate for ambulance transport providers, introducing a new formula for state fiscal years beginning July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2026, which incorporates the state medical assistance percentage, and establishes that from July 1, 2026, onward, the fee rate will remain the same as it was on July 4, 2025, with provisions for adjustments if the collected fees significantly deviate from the projected aggregate fee schedule amount. Additionally, the bill clarifies definitions related to the program, including "aggregate fee schedule amount" and "annual quality assurance fee rate," which is now defined as a percentage of annual gross revenue for participating providers. The "authority" refers to the Washington State Health Care Authority, which administers these programs.