Medi-Cal reimbursements: nonemergency ambulance and other transportation.
Vote required
Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Enrolled
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill changes how Medi-Cal pays for non-emergency ambulance and other transportation services. Starting in 2026 or 2027 (depending on funding), Medi-Cal will reimburse ambulance services at 80% of the federal Medicare rate, adjusted for local costs. The state will also create a program to ensure managed care plans offer similar reimbursement levels. The bill allows for using GPS tracking or other technology to accurately record mileage for reimbursement, streamlining the process for transportation providers.
Key provisions
- Medi-Cal reimbursement for nonemergency ambulance services will be 80% of the federal Medicare rate, adjusted for geographic costs.
- A Medi-Cal managed care directed payment program will be established to ensure consistent reimbursement rates.
- Physicians and authorized nonphysicians can certify the medical necessity of ambulance services.
- Medical transportation providers can use GPS tracking or other technology to document mileage.
- The department will maximize federal financial participation when available.
- The department can implement the provisions through plan letters or bulletins to expedite implementation.
- The bill updates regulations regarding mileage documentation for Medi-Cal providers.
Who is affected
- Medi-Cal recipients
- Nonemergency ambulance providers
- Healthcare providers
- California Department of Health Care Services
Bill text
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Sponsors
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1 on record
Primary sponsor
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