Introduction of The Access to Critical Non-Emergency Transportation Services Act

On September 15^th, 2022, Representative Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) introduced The Access to Critical Non-Emergency Transportation Services Act, H.R.8841. The bill will expand access to non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for low income, dual eligible Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. These vulnerable patients will now be transitioned to Medicaid NEMT services when they lose access to Medicare ambulance NEMT as a result of new Medicare prior authorization requirements. This bill amends the CMMI Repetitive, Scheduled, Non-Emergent Ambulance Transport (RSNAT) model to ensure that dually enrolled, Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries, have access to appropriate modes of transportation through the Medicaid program. Representative Carter introduced the bill with support of cosponsors Representatives Tony Cárdenas (D-CA) and Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA). The bill has been referred to the Energy and Commerce Committee.