Medi-Cal reimbursements: nonemergency ambulance transportation.
Once enacted, AB 1328 is expected to have significant implications for the fostering of equitable reimbursement practices under the Medi-Cal program. By establishing a 100% reimbursement rate in accordance with Medicare allowances for nonemergency and interfacility ambulance transports, the bill underscores a commitment to retaining operational viability for ambulance service providers who predominantly cater to low-income individuals under Medi-Cal. This move could potentially enhance access to necessary medical transportation for vulnerable populations who rely on these services.
Assembly Bill 1328, introduced by Assembly Member Michelle Rodriguez, seeks to amend various sections of the Welfare and Institutions Code regarding Medi-Cal reimbursements specifically for ambulance transportation services. The core aim of the bill is to align nonemergency ambulance service reimbursement rates within Medi-Cal to be equivalent to the rates specified in the federal Medicare ambulance fee schedule, thus ensuring fair and consistent compensation for service providers delivering such transports. The bill anticipates these changes to come into effect on January 1, 2026, contingent upon legislative appropriations to support the proposed reimbursement levels.
The sentiment regarding AB 1328 appears to lean positive among advocates of healthcare equity and reimbursement fairness. Stakeholders argue that this adjustment is imperative for supporting emergency medical providers financially, thereby safeguarding service availability and quality of care in underserved communities. Conversely, there may also be concerns expressed by fiscal conservatives about the repercussions of increased spending on public health programs and the mechanisms needed to ensure federal compliance.
One point of contention surrounding AB 1328 lies in its call for the California Department of Health Care Services to adjust methodologies related to Medi-Cal reimbursement protocols without undermining current quality assurance fee structures. The intention to allow nonphysician certifications for the medical necessity of transport services has raised debates on professional accountability and liability. Furthermore, discussions surrounding the financial implications earmarked for the state in terms of appropriations and federal participation will likely evolve as stakeholder assessments unfold.