Senate Bill No. 1298 aims to enhance the standards for nonemergency medical transportation (NEMT) services provided to medical assistance recipients in Connecticut. The bill mandates the Commissioner of Social Services to identify geographic areas where competitive bidding for NEMT services could yield cost savings. It introduces new provisions that allow contractors awarded contracts for coordinating transportation services to bypass certain state licensure or certification requirements, provided they meet specific conditions. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the first contracts for these services cannot exceed one year and allows drivers operating under certain conditions to be deemed compliant with the necessary requirements for up to 90 days.

The bill also modifies existing regulations by repealing subsection (a) of section 17b-276 and replacing it with updated language that emphasizes the need for cost-effective transportation services while considering the impact on emergency ambulance services. It allows for pilot programs before statewide implementation and requires contractors to disclose payment sources to subcontracted transportation providers. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025. Overall, the bill seeks to streamline the process of providing NEMT services while ensuring compliance and cost-effectiveness.