House Bill No. 1028 mandates the Louisiana Department of Health to establish a Medicaid reimbursement rate for nonemergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. Specifically, the bill requires a minimum reimbursement of $14.50 per trip and $2.10 per mile. The Department is tasked with promulgating and adopting rules to implement this new reimbursement rate methodology. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the Department must take all necessary actions, including filing a Medicaid state plan amendment, within 90 days of the bill's effective date to ensure compliance with these provisions.

The effectiveness of the bill is contingent upon the Louisiana Legislature appropriating the necessary funds for its implementation. The provisions will become effective upon the governor's signature or, if not signed, after the expiration of the time for bills to become law without signature. If the bill is vetoed and later approved by the legislature, it will take effect the day after such approval. The amendments adopted by the House Committee on Appropriations adjust the deadline for the Department's actions and clarify the funding requirement for the bill's implementation.