BILL NUMBER:  S6755

 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 amends § 365-h(4) of the Social Services Law and 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 is the effective date.

 JUSTIFICATION :
              

Since the 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
consequently, revenue to their public transportation systems. As a
result, many counties have reduced or eliminated routes. The most
rural areas of these systems are typically 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.
Based on this fundamental perspective, the federal United We Ride
initiative and movements in mobility management have emerged. With
much hard work and investment dedicated to establishing public
transportation systems in rural areas of the state, many rural
residents have come to rely on these public systems for daily
transportation. 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.

By ensuring that public transportation systems in rural counties
continue to prioritize rider assignment, this legislation requires
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. As such, this legislation is critical for
increasing ridership and revenue to public transportation systems in
rural counties.  Furthermore, this measure prioritizes the use of
public transportation and maintains rider familiarity with public
transportation systems.  It is evident that this legislation will
increase mobility and emphasize the importance of these systems within
rural communities.  For all of the aforementioned reasons, it is
essential that this bill is enacted.

 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :

This is a new bill.

 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 :
This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have
become a law, provided that the amendments to subdivision 4 of § 365-h
of the Social Services Law, made by Section One of this act, shall not
affect the expiration and repeal of such section and shall expire and
be deemed repealed therewith.