Louisiana House Bill HR211

Louisiana 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/6/13
• Passed: 6/6/13

Caption

Requests DHH to study means for improving access to and reliability of medical transportation for Medicaid enrollees

Impact

HR211 intends to address the barriers that Medicaid enrollees face in accessing necessary medical services due to unreliable transportation. The resolution underscores that limited transportation can lead to poor health outcomes, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions. By studying and proposing enhancements to nonemergency medical transportation, the bill aims to improve healthcare access, reduce the need for emergency services, and ultimately lead to cost-effective healthcare solutions that could benefit both patients and the healthcare system as a whole.

Summary

House Resolution 211 (HR211), spearheaded by Representative Barrow, urges the Department of Health and Hospitals of Louisiana to conduct a study aimed at improving access to and reliability of nonemergency medical transportation for Medicaid enrollees. This resolution highlights the significant number of Medicaid recipients, over 1.3 million, in Louisiana who rely on public transportation to reach healthcare providers. Recent changes in the state's Medicaid program and the privatization of public hospitals have raised concerns about the adequacy of transportation options available for these vulnerable populations.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR211 is generally favorable, particularly among healthcare advocates and organizations concerned about the well-being of Medicaid recipients. Supporters argue that addressing transportation issues is critical to ensuring that healthcare is accessible, pointing to the potential for reduced healthcare costs and better health outcomes. However, there may be concerns over how quickly and effectively the study will translate into actionable solutions that can mitigate existing transportation barriers.

Contention

Although the resolution does not present significant points of contention, it may face scrutiny regarding the resources and timelines required for the study. Questions might arise about how actionable the findings will be and whether they will lead to meaningful improvements in transportation services for Medicaid enrollees. Additionally, there may be discussions related to funding and the collaboration required between state departments to effectively implement recommended improvements.