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Golden Age Center highlights programs as Fremont County Transit warns of Medicaid NEMT reimbursement cut
Summary
The Golden Age Center described expanded senior programming and daily congregate meals; Fremont County Transit said Medicaid NEMT reimbursement was cut from $6/mile to $3/mile as of July 1 and that volunteers and a new grant manager will be used to help absorb the impact.
A Golden Age Center representative told the Vision Committee the center continues to be a busy hub for older residents, citing regular activities (Silver Sneakers, line dancing, knitting, card groups), daily congregate lunches prepared through a nutrition partner, and growing attendance at community events.
The center said its county funding request for next year remains at the prior year’s level and that the shared NEMT/funding figure with Fremont County Transit was approximately $36,750 (split with transit operations in prior budgets). The presenter stressed the center’s role in meal service, socialization and volunteer engagement for seniors and asked council to continue support.
Fremont County Transit (speaker identified as Mac) described NEMT operations: the agency receives federal 5311 funding and historically billed Medicaid at approximately $6 per mile but, Mac said, a state contractor (HIPPO) reduced payments to $3 per mile effective July 1. Mac said the program is monitoring impacts and relying on volunteer drivers and a newly hired grant manager to pursue additional funding; he asked staff to stay informed because sustained reductions could affect service availability for medically necessary trips.
Council members and staff asked for follow‑up data on ridership and trip types (including dialysis transportation) and suggested continued conversations with state partners if reimbursement levels threaten local service capacity.
