AB 1328: Medi-Cal reimbursements: nonemergency ambulance and other transportation.

This bill aims to modify Medi-Cal reimbursement rates for non-emergency ambulance transportation services. Starting July 1, 2027, Medi-Cal will reimburse 80% of the federal Medicare ambulance fee schedule amount, adjusted by the geographic practice cost index. The department must establish a managed care directed payment program for non-emergency ambulance services, with reimbursement rates set at least at the fee-for-service reimbursement level. To implement this, the department must maximize federal financial participation to the extent allowable. If federal participation is unavailable, the department will use state funds. The bill also allows non-physician authorized under federal regulations to certify medical necessity for non-emergency ambulance transportation services. Additionally, the bill updates Medi-Cal provider records to allow medical transportation providers to use vehic…