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A 3650

Establishes minimum Medicaid reimbursement rate of $200 for basic life support emergency ambulance transportation services.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Alixon Collazos-Gill and 5 co-sponsors

Establishes a $200 minimum Medicaid reimbursement for basic life support emergency ambulance transports, replacing $58, with regulatory steps and potential federal funding.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee
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Bill Summary · A 3650

Summary of New Jersey Bill A 3650

Overview

  • Bill: A 3650
  • Title: Establishes minimum Medicaid reimbursement rate of $200 for basic life support emergency ambulance transportation services.
  • Purpose: Set a floor for Medicaid reimbursement to basic life support (BLS) emergency ambulance transports, replacing the existing rate (as of the bill’s analysis) of $58 per transport with a mandatory minimum of $200.
  • Sponsor: Michaelle C. Solages (primary)
  • Status: Introduced in the Assembly; referred to Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee (with indications of prior committee referrals to Transportation in the legislative actions). Note: Enacting clause was struck on February 5, 2025, suggesting procedural changes to the bill’s progression.
  • Introduced date: January 29, 2025
  • Related status: Companion bills include S 1423 (Senate), and A 9705 / A 539 (prior-session), with additional S 344 companions listed.

Key Provisions

  1. Minimum Reimbursement Rate

    • The Medicaid program must reimburse basic life support emergency ambulance transportation services at no less than $200 per transport.
    • Applies to services delivered through both fee-for-service and managed care Medicaid delivery systems.

  2. Regulatory Implementation

    • The Commissioner of Human Services must adopt rules and regulations under the Administrative Procedure Act to implement the bill’s provisions.

  3. Federal Funding and State Plan

    • The Commissioner must seek any state plan amendments or waivers necessary to implement the bill and secure federal financial participation (FFP) for Medicaid expenditures under the federal program.

  4. Effective Date

    • The act states that it shall take effect immediately upon enactment.

Fiscal and Systemic Impact

  • The stated impact in the bill’s accompanying statement: the $200 minimum would increase compensation for basic life support emergency ambulance transports by $142 per transport (from $58 to $200).
  • Regional comparison noted: New Jersey is characterized as having the lowest BLS emergency ambulance Medicaid rate in the region; neighboring states’ rates vary (e.g., Delaware around $65.27, Connecticut around $293.90, with Pennsylvania proposed at $325 per transport).
  • Potential fiscal implications include higher state Medicaid expenditures and the need for matching federal funds; implementation may require regulatory updates and potential adjustments in managed care contracts.

Who would be Affected

  • Emergency ambulance providers delivering BLS emergency transports under New Jersey Medicaid (both fee-for-service and managed care arrangements).
  • State Department of Human Services (DHS), which would implement the regulation and oversee waivers/plan amendments to receive federal funds.
  • Medicaid enrollees who rely on emergency ambulance transportation, potentially improving access or coverage conditions if reassuring provider participation remains strong.

Legislative Action Timeline & Status

  • 2024-02-12: Introduced in the Assembly (referred to Aging and Human Services Committee).
  • 2025-01-29: Referred to Transportation (per official actions listed).
  • 2025-01-29 to 2025-02-05: Multiple committee actions noted; enacting clause later struck on 2025-02-05 (two entries).
  • 2025-02-05: ENACTING CLAUSE STRICKEN (indicating a procedural change or amendment to the bill’s status).

Related Legislation

  • S 1423 (companion in Senate)
  • S 344 (companion)
  • A 9705 and A 539 (prior-session companions)

Summary Conclusion

A 3650 proposes a straightforward policy change: establish a mandatory minimum Medicaid reimbursement of $200 per basic life support emergency ambulance transport, applicable across Medicaid delivery models, accompanied by regulatory implementation and potential federal participation mechanisms. The bill emphasizes improving provider financial viability and ensuring timely access to emergency ambulance services, while noting current regional variability in rates. As of the latest available actions, the measure has undergone procedural amendments (including the striking of the enacting clause), affecting its immediate progression.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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