Alabama Senate Bill SB199

Alabama 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/6/24
• Report Pass: 3/20/24
• Refer: 3/6/24
• Refer: 4/4/24
• Report Pass: 4/10/24

Caption

Emergency medical transport providers, assessment period extended

Impact

By extending the assessment, SB199 seeks to ensure the continued availability of emergency medical transport services, which are essential for the healthcare system, particularly in providing care to indigent populations. The proposed legislation is designed to maintain funding that assists providers in delivering services critical to patient care and health outcomes, signifying the importance of stable funding streams in healthcare delivery.

Summary

SB199 proposes an extension of the assessment period for emergency medical transport providers, allowing them to continue paying a quarterly assessment used for additional Medicaid enhancement payments. The current assessment is set to expire at the end of the fiscal quarter beginning July 1, 2024, and this bill aims to extend it until July 1, 2025. This move is intended to provide ongoing support for the maintenance and expansion of emergency medical services throughout Alabama.

Contention

Although the bill aims to secure funding for necessary services, it may raise concerns among stakeholders regarding the overall financial burden on emergency medical transport providers. Discussions around similar legislative measures often involve scrutiny of how such assessments impact service costs and availability for communities. There may also be debates regarding the reliance on assessments for funding essential services, leading to potential calls for alternative funding mechanisms.

Voting_history

SB199 was voted on April 4, 2024, with a unanimous decision of 30 'yeas' and 0 'nays' during the motion to read a third time and pass, indicating strong bipartisan support for the bill and its objectives within the legislative body.