Texas Senate Bill SB2134

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to establishing supplemental payment programs for the reimbursement of certain ambulance providers under Medicaid.

Impact

The introduction of supplemental payment programs is expected to significantly affect the financing of ambulance services in Texas. By enabling providers to receive additional payments on top of their existing Medicaid reimbursements, the bill seeks to ensure that these services remain sustainable. This funding mechanism is crucial for keeping service providers financially viable, particularly in regions where the costs of providing emergency medical services may exceed what Medicaid traditionally reimburses. The requirement for ambulance providers to be either state or locally owned adds a layer of commitment from public entities to maintain service availability.

Summary

SB2134 aims to establish supplemental payment programs specifically for ambulance providers operating under the Medicaid framework in Texas. The bill amends Chapter 32 of the Human Resources Code by introducing Subchapter H, which outlines the guidelines for creating and implementing two supplemental payment programs: one for the Medicaid fee-for-service model and another for the Medicaid managed care model. This legislative intent is to address the financial concerns of ambulance service providers and ensure they receive adequate compensation for services rendered to Medicaid recipients, thereby enhancing the overall delivery of emergency medical transportation services.

Contention

There may be potential points of contention among stakeholders regarding the implementation of these supplemental payment programs. While the bill aims to support local governmental entities that provide ambulance services, some may criticize the reliance on intergovernmental transfers to finance these reimbursements. Critics might argue that the funding model could lead to inequities in service availability, especially in areas with fewer resources or tax revenues. Additionally, while participation is described as voluntary, there may be concerns regarding the conditions for providers to receive these supplemental payments and the administrative burdens that could arise.