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Bill to raise nonemergency medical transport rates introduced; author says more work needed
Summary
Representative Hewitt presented House File 36 to raise base and mileage rates for nonemergency medical transport (special medical transport). He and witnesses said the sector faces low pay, training and vehicle costs and that any statutory rate warrants further stakeholder review; the committee laid the bill over.
Representative Hewitt presented House File 36 on Feb. 24 to address payment rates for nonemergency medical transport — services that move patients who are medically stable but need assistance to get from hospitals to homes, nursing facilities or clinics.
“This is everything that the ambulance don't take,” Hewitt said, describing the sector (officially “nonemergent medical transport”) as responsible for vulnerable patients who require trained staff, background checks, vehicle lifts and sustained pay to retain workers. He told the committee the current payment rates are not sustainable and the bill seeks to increase the base rate and mileage reimbursement.
Hewitt said the bill needs more work and stakeholder input. Members and witnesses discussed rate-setting, stakeholder coverage and whether increases should be funded through existing state proposals. Hewitt said the measure is similar to the governor’s proposal but differs on specific rates and stakeholders included. He called the bill “a bandage at best” without broader reforms but said it is an important part of alleviating hospital throughput problems caused by transport bottlenecks.
The committee received no technical testimony during the public exchange and the bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the omnibus bill to allow further drafting and stakeholder engagement.
