Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB923

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/24
• Refer: 1/12/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

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.