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CMS proposed rule may result in states dropping Medicaid coverage for non-emergency transports Page, Wolfberg and Wirth Press Release MECHANICSBURG, Pennsylvania — 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 short, state Medicaid programs would no longer be required to pay for non-emergency transport services for many types 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.
In the coming weeks, PWW will be discussing this and other timely reimbursement issues in its upcoming "Medicare Update" webinar on April 3rd, and at the upcoming ABC3 conferences in Orlando on April 24-25, and in St. Louis on May 28-29. Visit www.pwwemslaw.com or call us toll-free at 877-EMS-LAW1 (877-367-5291) for more information.
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