DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 35 Original 2020 Second Extraordinary Session Echols
Abstract: Authorizes transportation network companies to provide nonemergency medical
transportation services through the state Medicaid program, Medicare plans, and all other
types of publicly or privately issued health insurance.
Proposed law provides legislative findings and a declaration concerning the suitability of
transportation network companies to protect and promote public health by facilitating access to
primary care, pharmacy services, and other forms of health care that help people to maintain and
improve their health.
Proposed law authorizes transportation network companies to provide nonemergency medical
transportation (NEMT) services through the La. Medicaid program, Medicare plans, Medicare
supplemental plans, Medicare Advantage plans, and all other types of publicly or privately issued
insurance classified by the provisions of present law as health and accident insurance.
Proposed law prohibits the La. Department of Health (LDH) from requiring a driver affiliated with
a transportation network company to enroll as a NEMT provider in the La. Medicaid program in
order for any NEMT services provided to Medicaid enrollees by the driver through a company's
digital network to be eligible for Medicaid reimbursement.
Proposed law requires LDH to promulgate rules and regulations as are necessary for the
implementation of proposed law by March 1, 2021.
Proposed law specifies that the requirements for companies and drivers to act as Medicaid
transportation providers, including requirements for enrollment and specifications for vehicles used,
may not exceed the requirements imposed under present law, except as necessary to conform with
applicable federal Medicaid transportation requirements. Proposed law stipulates that, notwithstanding other provisions of proposed law, LDH may require
that prior to facilitating NEMT services for Medicaid enrollees, a transportation network company
shall be under contract with a transportation broker that is under contract with either of the
following:
(1)A Medicaid managed care organization.
(2)LDH.
Proposed law prohibits the use of ambulances, emergency medical response vehicles, and EMS
practitioners as defined in present law in providing NEMT services authorized by proposed law.
(Adds R.S. 48:2206)