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 570 Engrossed 2021 Regular Session Lyons
Abstract: Provides for payment enhancements through the state Medicaid program to compensate
nonemergency medical transportation providers for insurance cost increases in that industry.
Proposed law provides that its purpose is to facilitate much-needed provider relief in the state
Medicaid program by offsetting the increased costs of insurance borne by nonemergency,
non-ambulance medical transportation providers, referred to hereafter as "NEMT providers", in
meeting the insurance coverage requirements necessary for them to maintain their enrollment as
Medicaid providers.
Proposed law requires the La. Department of Health (LDH) to remit to each NEMT provider
enhanced payments in the amount of $500 per month per vehicle, up to a maximum of three vehicles,
that the provider uses in service to Medicaid enrollees. Provides that the maximum monthly
enhanced payment amount for which any NEMT provider may qualify pursuant to proposed law
shall be $1,500.
Proposed law stipulates that the payments provided for in proposed law shall be in addition to
amounts remitted to NEMT providers through provider reimbursement rates.
Proposed law prohibits LDH from implementing the payment enhancements provided for in
proposed law until such payments are approved by the federal Medicaid agency.
Proposed law provides that it shall terminate on the earlier of the following dates:
(1)The date upon which the secretary of LDH publishes in the La. Register a notice certifying
that average monthly vehicle-related insurance costs to NEMT providers in La. have
decreased to an amount that is less than average monthly vehicle-related insurance costs to
those providers in state fiscal year 2020-2021.
(2)September 30, 2024.
Proposed law requires that the secretary of LDH collaborate with the commissioner of insurance to
make the cost determinations necessary for the development of the notice provided for in paragraph
(1) above.
(Adds R.S. 40:1257.1-1257.4) Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Health and Welfare to the
original bill:
1. Make a technical correction.