BILL NUMBER:  S4533

 TITLE OF BILL :  An act to amend the social services law, in relation
to the transportation of eligible persons residing in a rural area

 PURPOSE :

This bill directs the commissioner of health to assign
Medicaid-reimbursed nonemergency medical transportation to public
transit where the rider's originating location exists within a rural
county, and that public transit system is available, appropriate for
the rider, and the least expensive mode of transportation.

 SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS :

Section 1 establishes that where the commissioner of health assumes
responsibility for transportation of Medicaid recipients in rural
counties, a public transportation system shall be prioritized for
assignment where the system is available, appropriate, and the least
expensive means.

Section 2 sets forth the effective date, which is thirty days after
becoming law.

 JUSTIFICATION :

              

Since adoption of the centralized nonemergency medical transportation
(NEMT) manager system in New York State, many rural counties have
experienced a sharp decrease in ridership and associated revenue to
their public transportation systems. As a result, many counties have
reduced or eliminated routes. Frequently, the most rural areas of
these systems are affected first. In Tioga County, the entire public
transportation system has been discontinued indefinitely.

It is well-established that access to public transportation is
critical to the health and economic vitality of our communities. It is
upon this fundamental perspective that the federal United We Ride
initiative and movements in mobility management emerged. After so much
hard work to establish public transportation systems in rural areas of
the State, rural communities should not be left behind now.  Some of
the most vulnerable populations-including those relying on NEMT
services-need public transportation to support their overall health
and welfare, go to work, attend school, pick up prescriptions at a
pharmacy, or buy food at a grocery store.

To ensure that public transportation systems in rural counties
continue to be prioritized in rider assignment, this legislation will
require assignment to public transportation systems where the rider
originates from a rural county, a route is available, the vehicle is
medically appropriate, and the service provides the least expensive
transportation option.

This legislation is critical for increasing ridership on and revenue
to public transportation systems in rural counties. This legislation
will also prioritize the use of public transportation and maintain
rider familiarity with public transportation systems. As a result,
this legislation will increase their mobility and emphasize the
importance of these systems within rural communities.

 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :

2016: S.6755 PASSED SENATE

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :


An overall cost savings to the State is anticipated, where public
transportation is utilized at lower reimbursement rates than other
modes of transportation currently being assigned.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
30 days after enactment.