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Panel approves study of nonemergency medical transport reimbursements amid funding and conflict concerns
Summary
House Bill 2584 authorizes AHCCCS/ACCESS to receive industry funds to hire an independent consultant to study NEMT reimbursement rates; supporters said industry funding avoids general-fund cost, while one senator expressed concern about industry paying for a government study.
The Appropriations Committee advanced House Bill 25 84, which would allow Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) and the ACCESS program to receive monies from nonemergency medical transport (NEMT) providers to contract with an independent firm to study current reimbursement rates and provider costs.
Sponsor remarks emphasized there is no cost to the general fund and argued the study will help preserve specialty NEMT services that transport patients with medical equipment or mobility needs. Brandy Petrone, testifying on behalf of MTM/Medical Transport Management, said most NEMT categories have not seen rate increases since FY2014 and that an ambulatory trip reimbursement in Arizona is about $15.50 versus a national average near $36.
Senator Epstein said she supported doing the study but declined to vote yes because the industry that would benefit from higher rates is funding the work; she called it a potential conflict that could skew results. The committee ultimately gave HB2584 a due-pass recommendation (recorded vote in transcript: 6 ayes, 2 nays, 2 not voting).
Next steps: If funded, the independent consulting firm must complete the study within one year and submit results to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC); ACCESS must include study results in its next capitation rate request or explain differences within 30 days.
