Disability Council Urges Better Standards and Reimbursement for Non‑Emergency Medical Transportation

The Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) told the Joint Committee on Financial Services that access to non‑emergency medical transportation (NEMT) is a substantial barrier to care for people with disabilities and that legislation under consideration would strengthen authorization windows, require wheelchair‑accessible vehicles and increase reimbursement rates.

Josh Gladstone, a disability policy specialist at MDDC, said available research and stakeholder conversations point to transportation as a critical determinant of access. MDDC recommended that insurance authorizations for transportation be valid for at least three business days and urged Medicaid and other payers to increase reimbursement for non‑public ambulance providers by a multiple (the testimony cited 2.5x) of standard rates to retain drivers and vehicles.

MDDC cited personal stories from citizens who have been stranded or delayed and warned that NEMT gaps disproportionately affect people with disabilities and rural residents. The testimony also requested a study of current reimbursement levels to ensure workforce retention for drivers and aides who provide this vital service.

The committee received the testimony and accepted a written copy for the record; no final action was taken at the hearing.