Medicaid Non-Emergency Transportation
 
In February, 2008, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published proposed rules implementing the benchmark provisions of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA). (CMS had previously published guidance in March of 2006 on this DRA provision.) In a complete departure from the plain language of the DRA and the March guidance, CMS proposed to allow states opting for benchmark plans to entirely eliminate non Emergency Medical Transportation requirements, (NEMT).
 
 (NEMT) is an essential service for approximately 4 million Medicaid beneficiaries. This is particularly true in rural and urban areas and in every low income community because health care providers, who accept Medicaid payment, are often located many miles from the homes of Medicaid beneficiaries. Permitting benefit packages that exclude NEMT will erect yet another barrier between Medicaid beneficiaries and critical health care services. Additionally in a time of incredibly increasing fuel costs and more outpatient medical services we need more guarantees for transportation not less. 
 
Two important members of the Appropriations Committee chaired by Mr. Obey, Rep. Olver, (D-MA), and Rep. DeLauro, (D-CT), have asked Mr. Obey to delay implementation of this rule until it can be fully considered.  We think people in Wisconsin should support this idea and let Mr. Obey know of their concerns.   
 
 
Contacts in Obey’s DC office who should be called and emailed are:
 
Christina Hamilton, Chief of Staff:   Email: christina.hamilton@mail.house.gov
 
Brendan Rose, Brendan. Email: Brendan.rose@mail.house.gov
 
Phone number 202-225-3365