Minnesota Senate Bill SF149

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/23
• Refer: 1/11/23

Caption

Fuel adjustment provision for nonemergency medical transportation and ambulance service reimbursement

Impact

The implementation of SF149 is expected to have a significant impact on transportation providers enrolled in the Minnesota health care programs. By adjusting reimbursement rates to reflect actual operating costs that are affected by fuel prices, the bill seeks to ensure that transportation providers remain financially viable. Such provisions may lead to improved access to nonemergency medical transportation for patients who rely on these services for accessing medical care, thereby supporting overall public health outcomes.

Summary

SF149 amends Minnesota Statutes relating to human services with a focus on enhancing reimbursement rates for nonemergency medical transportation and ambulance services. The bill introduces a fuel adjustment provision that allows the rate paid per mile for nonemergency medical transportation to be modified in response to gasoline price fluctuations. Specifically, when gasoline prices exceed $3.00 per gallon, the reimbursement rate will adjust by one percent for every increase or decrease of ten cents. This measure aims to address rising transportation costs for services critical to accessing health care.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding SF149 primarily regarding its budgeting and fiscal implications. Critics might raise concerns about the sustainability of these adjustments and whether they will adequately cover the costs incurred by providers without overburdening state resources. Additionally, the bill's stipulation for reimbursement adjustments may also generate debate over how such changes will be tracked and implemented effectively, particularly in the context of varying geographical impacts within Minnesota.