Establishes that providers of adult day health care and managed long term care plans may elect to use transportation management brokers; provides that programs of all-inclusive care for the elderly (PACE) are not required to use transportation management brokers.
Summary
This bill amends the Social Services Law to change how certain Medicaid-related transportation services are handled for adult day health care providers, managed long term care plans, and PACE programs. Under current law, some of these entities are required to use a transportation management broker for arranging transportation services. The bill removes that mandatory requirement and instead allows providers of adult day health care and managed long term care plans to elect whether to use a transportation management broker.
The bill also makes clear that Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) are not required to use a transportation management broker. In practical terms, the measure gives these providers more flexibility to arrange transportation directly or through other means, rather than being compelled to route services through a state-contracted broker. The bill takes effect immediately, subject to the existing sunset/reversion provisions in the underlying statute.
Impact
The bill narrows the mandatory application of section 365-h of the Social Services Law by removing the requirement that adult day health care providers, managed long term care plans, and PACE programs use transportation management brokers. It preserves the option to use a broker but eliminates the statutory mandate for these entities, affecting how transportation for Medicaid and long-term care enrollees may be administered and coordinated. The change primarily impacts providers, managed care plans, and the state’s transportation brokerage system, while leaving the broader transportation management broker framework in place for other covered services or entities.
Sentiment
The available bill text and context suggest a generally practical, administrative measure rather than a controversial policy overhaul. The bill appears aimed at increasing flexibility for providers and plans, which may be viewed favorably by affected organizations seeking to manage transportation services more directly. No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no evidence of formal opposition or support beyond the bill’s sponsor-driven introduction.
Contention
The main point of contention is the shift from a mandatory broker model to a voluntary one for adult day health care providers, managed long term care plans, and PACE programs. Supporters would likely argue that the change reduces administrative burden and allows more efficient or tailored transportation arrangements, while potential critics could be concerned about reduced standardization, oversight, or coordination in transportation services for vulnerable Medicaid and elderly populations. Because no hearing testimony or votes are included, the record does not show which stakeholders actively raised these concerns.
Relates to transportation management brokers; provides that transportation management brokers are no longer required to manage the transportation services for Medicaid beneficiaries.
Relates to transportation management brokers; provides that transportation management brokers are no longer required to manage the transportation services for Medicaid beneficiaries.
Relates to transportation management brokers; provides that transportation management brokers are no longer required to manage the transportation services for Medicaid beneficiaries.
Substitute caregiver and respite care provider requirements in foster homes for adults and the permitted use of an electronic monitoring device by an adult foster care provider; and to provide for a legislative management study.
"Medicaid Transportation Brokerage Program Oversight and Accountability Act"; establishes vehicle, staffing, and performance standards, and review and reporting requirements for non-emergency medical transport provided under State's non-emergency medical transportation brokerage program.
AN ACT to create and enact two new sections to chapter 50-11 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to substitute caregiver and respite care provider requirements in foster homes for adults and the permitted use of an electronic monitoring device by an adult foster care provider; and to provide for a legislative management study.