Specialized transportation assistance pilot program. (FE)
Impact
The legislation is designed to enhance accessibility to transportation services by mandating that participating ADRCs must report annually on the number of individuals they serve and the effectiveness of these programs. Furthermore, the DHS is tasked with providing annual reports to the legislature concerning the status and potential continuation of the program. Importantly, the bill also allows for the possibility of extending transportation services beyond NEMT to cater to other needs, should the recipient choose to cover the additional costs themselves.
Summary
Assembly Bill 923 establishes a specialized transportation assistance pilot program aimed at providing better coordination of transportation services for individuals, particularly the elderly and those with disabilities. The bill empowers the Department of Health Services (DHS) to allow aging and disability resource centers (ADRCs) to coordinate or contract with mobility management organizations for the provision of specialized transportation assistance. These services include nonemergency medical transportation (NEMT) and related services tailored to meet the needs of eligible individuals across three designated regions in the state.
Contention
Notably, while the bill aims to streamline and improve transportation assistance for vulnerable populations, there may be concerns regarding the potential administrative burdens placed on ADRCs and the DHS in terms of tracking service usage and outcomes. Additionally, discussions could arise around the funding sufficiency to support the pilot program and whether the model might effectively serve all eligible populations across diverse geographic areas in the state.
Housing and homelessness; emergency rental assistance program; indigent civil legal services; workforce development; community action agencies; poverty reports; mental health; economic security; reimbursement for nonemergency medical transportation services; urban mass transit aid; lead exposure and abatement services; lead service line replacement; providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures; granting rule-making authority; and making an appropriation. (FE)
Housing and homelessness; emergency rental assistance program; indigent civil legal services; workforce development; community action agencies; poverty reports; mental health; economic security; reimbursement for nonemergency medical transportation services; urban mass transit aid; lead exposure and abatement services; lead service line replacement; providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures; granting rule-making authority; and making an appropriation. (FE)
Mental illness definition modification provision, medical assistance transportation reimbursement rates modification modifications provision, children at risk of bipolar disorder grant program establishment provision, and children's first episode of psychosis program appropriation
Requires DOT to establish paratransit brokerage program to consolidate provisions of paratransit services under State Medicaid program and NJT Access Link.
Requires DOT to establish paratransit brokerage program to consolidate provisions of paratransit services under State Medicaid program and NJT Access Link.
"Medicaid Transportation Brokerage Program Oversight and Accountability Act"; establishes vehicle, staffing, and performance standards, and review and reporting requirements for non-emergency medical transport provided under Medicaid transportation brokerage program.
Authorizes transportation network companies to provide nonemergency medical transportation services through the state Medicaid program (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)