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SF2125 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Nonemergency medical transportation payment rates increase

Related bill: HF36

AI Generated Summary

This bill proposes amendments to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 256B.0625, subdivision 17, to increase payment rates for nonemergency medical transportation (NEMT) services and make administrative updates. Below is a summary of key provisions:

1. Definition and Scope

  • NEMT includes motor vehicle transportation for healthcare program beneficiaries who do not require emergency ambulance services.
  • Transportation must be provided by approved providers, including:
    • NEMT providers who meet operational standards
    • Ambulances
    • Taxicabs meeting requirements
    • Public transit
    • Volunteer driver programs

2. Provider Requirements & Compliance

  • NEMT providers must meet state operational standards and ensure driver compliance with individual enrollment and requirements.
  • Providers may face termination or suspension if they fail to conduct required background studies on drivers.
  • Providers must ensure that trip logs are maintained and verified for reimbursement.

3. Administrative Oversight & Payment Process

  • The administrative agency must:
    • Follow state policies
    • Pay NEMT providers
    • Submit monthly reports on complaints, no-shows, and trip data
    • Use a web-based system to assess and reconcile trip claims
  • The commissioner will oversee fraud prevention, investigate complaints, and ensure transportation is only used for approved medical appointments.

4. Transportation Modes & Limitations

  • Clients must use the most direct route, limited to:
    • 30 miles for primary care
    • 60 miles for specialty care (unless authorized otherwise)
  • Modes of transportation include:
    • Client reimbursement
    • Volunteer transport
    • Taxicabs/public transit (if available)
    • Assisted transport
    • Lift-equipped transportation for disabled clients
    • Protected transport for behavioral health needs
    • Stretcher transport for clients needing prone/supine positioning

5. Increased Payment Rates for NEMT Providers

  • The bill raises reimbursement rates, including:
    • Unassisted transport (starting 2026): $17 base rate, $2.38 per mile
    • Assisted transport (starting 2026): $22 base rate, $2.38 per mile
    • Lift-equipped/ramp transport (starting 2026): $31 base rate, $2.65 per mile
    • Protected transport: $75 base rate, $2.40/mile
    • Stretcher transport: $60 base rate, $2.40/mile (+$9 per trip for additional attendants, if necessary)
  • Super rural areas receive 111.3% of the base rate, and varying increases for mileage reimbursements.

6. Gas Price Adjustments

  • If the average gasoline price exceeds $3.00 per gallon, the per-mile reimbursement rate will be adjusted up or down by 1% for every $0.10 increase or decrease in gas prices.

Conclusion

This bill increases NEMT payment rates, strengthens provider regulations, and enhances oversight mechanisms while ensuring beneficiaries receive transportation necessary for medical care in Minnesota.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 02, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 02, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 02, 2025HouseFloorActionReferred toHealth and Human Services
March 02, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toHuman Services
March 02, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toHuman Services

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarification of the definition of nonemergency medical transportation service.",
        "Introduction of rural urban commuting area (RUCA) classification system.",
        "Requirements for nonemergency medical transportation providers to meet operating standards for special transportation service."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This legislative bill modifies nonemergency medical transportation payment rates and operational requirements under section 256B.0625, subdivision 17.",
      "modified": [
        "Revised payment rates for nonemergency medical transportation services.",
        "Adjustment of reimbursement rates based on gasoline prices."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "256B.0625",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 17"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section provides the definition of emergency ambulance service, referenced in relation to nonemergency medical transportation.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "144E.001",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section provides the definition of ambulances that are referenced in the context of valid transportation methods.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "144E.001",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section provides the definition of public transportation, referenced in the text regarding acceptable transportation methods.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "174.22",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 7"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section provides the definition of not-for-hire vehicles and volunteer drivers referenced in the context of transportation options.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "65B.472",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section provides requirements for background studies of transportation providers, referenced as a compliance measure.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "174.30",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 10"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This statute addresses disqualification of individuals in background studies, relevant to nonemergency medical transportation providers.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "245C.14",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This statute addresses setting aside disqualifications, relevant to transport providers requiring nonemergency medical transportation providers to address.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "245C.22",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This statute also addresses the process concerning disqualifications in the context of nonemergency medical transportation.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "245C.23",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section relates to the role of local agencies as vendors of medical care under the context of nonemergency medical transportation.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "256B.041",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The sanctions and monetary recovery actions that apply to vendors engaged in medical transportation services.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "256B.064",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Minnesota Rules regarding public assistance programs, applicable in a healthcare context.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "9505.2160",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Another part of Minnesota Rules regarding public assistance programs relevant to nonemergency medical transportation.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "9505.2245",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

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