This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to submit an amendment to the state Medicaid plan to allow for reimbursement of ambulance services in situations where care is provided in response to an emergency call, but the patient is not transported to another site. The amendment specifies that Medicaid reimbursement will be available when an emergency call is responded to, the patient consents to evaluation and treatment, and either no transportation is needed after treatment, the patient refuses transport, or the patient is stable and can follow up with their own physician or community resource. Additionally, reimbursement is provided when resuscitation efforts are terminated, and the patient is deceased. This section of the bill will take effect once the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approves the amendment.

The bill also makes appropriations totaling $500,000 for the biennium ending June 30, 2025, to DHHS for the purposes of funding recreational activities for individuals with developmental disabilities, as these services are not reimbursable under Medicaid. To be eligible for these funds, individuals must have graduated or exited the school system and be receiving services under certain developmental disabilities or acquired brain disorder waivers. The bill outlines the process for contracting organizations to administer these funds, sets a payment limit of $600 per individual for recreational services, and requires DHHS to report on the utilization and effectiveness of the program. The remainder of the act, aside from the Medicaid plan amendment, takes effect upon its passage on August 23, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 126-A:5
As Amended by the Senate: 126-A:5
As Amended by the House: 126-A:5
As Amended by the House (2nd): 126-A:5
Version adopted by both bodies: 126-A:5
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 126-A:5