Department of Health and Hospitals
Office of the Secretary
Bureau of Health Services Financing
The Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of the Secretary, Bureau of Health Services Financing promulgates the following Emergency Rule in the Medical Assistance Program as authorized by R.S. 36:254 and pursuant to Title XIX of the Social Security Act. This Emergency Rule is promulgated in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, R.S. 49:953(B)(1) et seq. and shall be in effect for the maximum period allowed under the Act or until adoption of the Final Rule, whichever occurs first.
The Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of the Secretary, Bureau of Health Services Financing provides coverage and reimbursement for non-emergency medical transportation services. Reimbursement for these services is the base rate established by the Bureau minus the amount which any third party coverage would pay. During the 2003 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature additional funds were allocated and the Bureau subsequently increased the reimbursement rates for certain designated procedures ( Louisiana Register, Volume 30, Number 1).
As a result of the allocation of additional funds by the Legislature during the 2006 Regular Session, the Bureau has determined that it is necessary to increase the reimbursement rates for non-emergency, non-ambulance medical transportation services.
This action is being taken to promote the health and welfare of recipients and to maintain access to non-emergency medical transportation services by encouraging the continued participation of these providers in the Medicaid Program. It is estimated that implementation of this Emergency Rule will increase expenditures for non-emergency medical transportation services by approximately $441,934 for the state fiscal year 2006-2007.
Emergency Rule
Effective for dates of service on or after September 1, 2006, the Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of the Secretary, Bureau of Health Services Financing increases the reimbursement rate for non-emergency, non-ambulance medical transportation services by 5 percent of the rates in effect on August 31, 2006. Non-emergency medical transportation provided by friends and family is not included in this reimbursement rate increase.
Implementation of the provisions of this Rule shall be contingent upon the approval of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Interested persons may submit written comments to Jerry Phillips, Bureau of Health Services Financing, P.O. Box 91030, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-9030. He is responsible for responding to all inquiries regarding this Emergency Rule. A copy of this Emergency Rule is available for review by interested parties at parish Medicaid offices.
Frederick P. Cerise, M.D., M.P.H.
Secretary