DHFS-GROUND AMBULANCE PAYMENTS

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides for payment for ground ambulance services under the medical assistance program. Provides that for ground ambulance services provided to a medical assistance recipient on or after January 1, 2014, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall provide payment to ground ambulance services providers for base charges and mileage charges based upon the lesser of the provider's charge, as reflected on the provider's claim form, or the Illinois Medicaid Ambulance Fee Schedule payment rates. Provides that effective January 1, 2014, the Illinois Medicaid Ambulance Fee Schedule shall be established and shall include only the ground ambulance services payment rates outlined in the Medicare Ambulance Fee Schedule as promulgated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in effect as of July 1, 2013 and adjusted for the 4 Medicare Localities in Illinois, with an adjustment of 80% of the Medicare Ambulance Fee Schedule payment rates, by Medicare Locality, for both base rates and mileage for all counties. Provides that for ground ambulance services provided where the point of pickup is in a rural county, the Department shall pay an amount equal to one and one-half times the ground mileage rate for the first 17 miles of such a transport and the ground mileage rate for the remaining miles of the transport. Makes other changes in connection with medical assistance payments for ground ambulance services. Effective July 1, 2013.