Provides that where the commissioner of health assumes the responsibility for the transportation of medicaid recipients in rural areas, existing public transportation systems shall be used

3 Co-sponsors

• Fredrick J. Akshar II
• Thomas F. O'Mara
• David J. Valesky

Title of bill

An act to amend the social services law, in relation to the transportation of eligible persons residing in a rural area

Purpose

This bill directs the commissioner of health to assign Medicaid-reimbursed nonemergency medical transportation to public transit where the rider's originating location exists within a rural county, and that public transit system is available, appropriate for the rider, and the least expensive mode of transportation.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 amends § 365-h(4) of the Social Services Law and establishes that where the commissioner of health assumes responsibility for transportation of Medicaid recipients in rural counties, a public transportation system shall be prioritized for assignment where the system is available, appropriate, and the least expensive means.

Section 2 is the effective date.

Justification

Since the adoption of the centralized nonemergency medical transportation (NEMT) manager system in New York State, many rural counties have experienced a sharp decrease in ridership and consequently, revenue to their public transportation systems. As a result, many counties have reduced or eliminated routes. The most rural areas of these systems are typically affected first. In Tioga County, the entire public transportation system has been discontinued indefinitely.

It is well-established that access to public transportation is critical to the health and economic vitality of our communities. Based on this fundamental perspective, the federal United We Ride initiative and movements in mobility management have emerged. With much hard work and investment dedicated to establishing public transportation systems in rural areas of the state, many rural residents have come to rely on these public systems for daily transportation. Some of the most vulnerable populations, including those relying on NEMT services, need public transportation to support their overall health and welfare, go to work, attend school, pick up prescriptions at a pharmacy, or buy food at a grocery store.

By ensuring that public transportation systems in rural counties continue to prioritize rider assignment, this legislation requires assignment to public transportation systems where the rider originates from a rural county, a route is available, the vehicle is medically appropriate, and the service provides the least expensive transportation option. As such, this legislation is critical for increasing ridership and revenue to public transportation systems in rural counties. Furthermore, this measure prioritizes the use of public transportation and maintains rider familiarity with public transportation systems. It is evident that this legislation will increase mobility and emphasize the importance of these systems within rural communities. For all of the aforementioned reasons, it is essential that this bill is enacted.

Legislative history

This is a new bill.

Fiscal implications

An overall cost savings to the State is anticipated, where public transportation is utilized at lower reimbursement rates than other modes of transportation currently being assigned.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have become a law, provided that the amendments to subdivision 4 of § 365-h of the Social Services Law, made by Section One of this act, shall not affect the expiration and repeal of such section and shall expire and be deemed repealed therewith.