SB 62 HEALTH CARE AUTHORITY MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT

Sen Pete Campos

Actions: [1] SCC/SHPAC/SFC-SCC

Scheduled: Not Scheduled

 SB62  directs the Heath Care Authority Department to develop mileage reimbursments for ambulance and for providers of Medicaid environmental modificaiton services. 

 Synopsis: SB62 relates to health care by requiring the Health Care Authority Department to create a mileage reimbursement rate for ambulance, environmental modification service and durable medical equipment providers that render services to Medicaid patients. An appropriation is included in the bill. 

Analysis: SB62  modifies the Public Assistance Act  to create a mileage reimbursement rate for ambulance, environmental modification service and durable medical equipment providers that render services for Medicaid patients. An appropriation of $2,000,000 is included in the bill. 
The Department shall consider for transportation of a patient:  (1) licensure and registration of an ambulance; taxes; overhead; (2) fuel; (3) ambulance maintenance; (4) repair; (5) tires; (6) ambulance insurance; (7) mechanic wages, benefits and payroll (8) loan interest related to the ambulances; (9) the cost of the weighted allocation of (10) the cost of depreciation; and (11) reserves for replacement ambulance vehicles and equipment.

The Department shall also consider the similar factors for a Medicaid reimbursement rate for providers. These factors include: (1) licensure and registration of a vehicle, suited for providing environmental modification services or durable medical equipment; (2) fuel; (3) vehicle maintenance; (4) vehicle repair; (5) tires; (6) vehicle insurance; (7) mechanic wages, benefits and payroll taxes; (8) vehicle loan interest; (9) weighted allocation of overhead; (10) depreciation; and (11) reserves for replacement of vehicles and supplies needed to provide environmental modification services and durable medical equipment. 

Environmental modification service means the installation of equipment and the physical adaptations that are made at an individual's residence that are necessary to ensure the health, welfare and safety of the individual or enhance the individual's independence.
As noted above, two million dollars ($2,000,000) is appropriated from the General Fund to the Health Care Authority Department for expenditure in fiscal year 2025 to cover the costs of reimbursing ambulance, environmental modification service and durable medical equipment providers for mileage.
 
Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2025 shall revert to the General Fund.