Plain English Breakdown
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TennCare Ambulance Reimbursement Act
This bill requires TennCare to pay at least 67.5% of Medicare's allowed rate for emergency ambulance services and 100% for nonemergency services.
What This Bill Does
- Requires TennCare to reimburse public or private ground-based ambulances with a base in Tennessee, providing emergency services to TennCare recipients, at a minimum rate of 67.5% of Medicare's allowable charge.
- Requires TennCare to reimburse public or private ground-based ambulances with a base in Tennessee, providing nonemergency services to TennCare recipients, at a minimum rate of 100% of Medicare's allowable charge.
Who It Names or Affects
- TennCare recipients who use ambulance services.
- Ambulance companies providing emergency and nonemergency services in Tennessee.
- The bureau of TennCare, which manages the state’s healthcare program.
Terms To Know
- TennCare
- A state health insurance program for low-income Tennesseans.
- Medicare
- A federal health insurance program primarily for people aged 65 and older, also covering some younger individuals with disabilities.
Limits and Unknowns
- The bill does not specify how the increased payments will be funded.
- It is unclear what happens if an ambulance service's charges exceed Medicare’s allowable rate.