New Jersey Senate Bill S1069

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/22
• Refer: 1/31/22

Caption

"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.

Impact

This bill will enhance oversight and accountability within the Medicaid transportation program by instituting a series of compliance metrics that transportation providers must meet. It compels the DHS to require that brokers and their network providers maintain accurate records of service delivery, adhere to vehicle safety standards, and ensure that transport services are efficient, aiming for on-time arrivals within a 15-minute window. These provisions are intended to improve service delivery to Medicaid beneficiaries who rely on non-emergency transport for accessing healthcare services.

Summary

Senate Bill S1069, known as the 'Medicaid Transportation Brokerage Program Oversight and Accountability Act,' aims to establish comprehensive vehicle, staffing, and performance standards for non-emergency medical transport services provided under New Jersey's Medicaid transportation brokerage program. The legislation mandates that the Department of Human Services (DHS) implement strict requirements for brokers and individual transportation providers, addressing recent performance deficiencies highlighted by the Office of Inspector General and the Office of the State Auditor.

Contention

One of the contentious aspects of this bill is its requirement for transportation brokers to impose liquidated damages when service levels fall short of established performance criteria. Critics argue that this could lead to financial burdens on services already operating with thin margins, potentially impacting their ability to reliably serve beneficiaries. Proponents, however, see it as a necessary move to ensure accountability and improve the standard of care within the program, reflecting the pressing need for reliable transportation as a component of healthcare accessibility.