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CMS Proposed Rule - Potential Elimination of Non-Emergency Transportation Benefits in State Medicaid Programs
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CMS has published an important Proposed Rule in the Federal Register regarding state Medicaid programs. Although this is currently only a proposed rule, it would, if adopted, permit states to submit amended state Medicaid plans to eliminate non-emergency medical transportation as a covered Medicaid benefit in those states where it is currently covered. Although not all states currently cover non-emergency medical transportation services, some do, and under this Proposed Rule, those state Medicaid programs who do cover these services would no longer be required to pay for non-emergency transport services for many categories of Medicaid enrollees. This Proposed Rule was published with a very short comment period. Comments are due no later than 5:00 p.m. on March 24, 2008. We urge ambulance services everywhere to take a few moments to submit comments to CMS, as this Proposed Rule could have serious negative consequences for America's ambulance industry. We suggest that everyone urge CMS not to adopt this rule permitting states to drop non-emergency medical transportation as a covered benefit in state Medicaid programs.
CLICK HERE to download the complete Proposed Rule (14 pages, PDF format) CLICK HERE to read PWW's comment letter to CMS on the Proposed Rule (5 pages, Word format). This contents of this sample letter may be freely utilized by anyone for the purposes of submitting comments to CMS. Information on Submitting Comments: DATES: To be assured consideration, comments must be received at one of the addresses provided below, no later than 5 p.m. March 24, 2008. ADDRESSES: In commenting, please refer to file code CMS-2232-P. Because of staff and resource limitations, we cannot accept comments by facsimile (FAX) transmission. You may submit comments in one of four ways (no duplicates, please): 1. Electronically. You may submit electronic comments on specific issues in this regulation to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/eRulemaking. Click on the link ``Submit electronic comments on CMS regulations with an open comment period.'' (Attachments should be in Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, or Excel; however, we prefer Microsoft Word.) 2. By regular mail. You may mail written comments (one original and two copies) to the following address ONLY: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services, Attention: CMS-2232-P, P.O. Box 8016, Baltimore, MD 21244-8016. Please allow sufficient time for mailed comments to be received before the close of the comment period. 3. By express or overnight mail. You may send written comments (one original and two copies) to the following address ONLY: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services, Attention: CMS-2232-P, Mail Stop C4-26-05, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244-1850. 4. By hand or courier. If you prefer, you may deliver (by hand or courier) your written comments (one original and two copies) before the close of the comment period to one of the following addresses. If you intend to deliver your comments to the Baltimore address, please call telephone number (410) 786-7195 in advance to schedule your arrival with one of our staff members. Room 445-G, Hubert H. Humphrey Building, 200 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20201; or 500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244-1850. (Because access to the interior of the HHH Building is not readily available to persons without Federal Government identification, commenters are encouraged to leave their comments in the CMS drop slots located in the main lobby of the building. A stamp-in clock is available for persons wishing to retain a proof of filing by stamping in and retaining an extra copy of the comments being filed.) Comments mailed to the addresses indicated as appropriate for hand or courier delivery may be delayed and received after the comment period.
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