[Nfbf-l] Robert Miller's report on Medicare Transportation

[REPCODDS at aol.com]

From: Ride Solution  [mailto:ridesol at bellsouth.net]  

Sent:  Friday, April 15, 2011 9:47 AM

Subject: Robert Miller's  report

Dear Friends of Community  Transportation, 
This has been a busy week in terms of trips to  Tallahassee and I apologize 
for not getting material out to the field. Here  is a report from our 
lobbyist, Robert Miller, on yesterday’s Senate  meeting: 
Senate Bill 1972, the Medicaid reform bill, was  heard in the Budget 
Committee this afternoon.  There were twenty-six  amendments to the bill that were 
addressed prior to the Committee accepting  public testimony.  None of the 
filed amendments dealt with the  transportation issue. 
During public comment, Boyd Thompson, the President  of FACTS, spoke about 
the need to maintain the coordinated system as it  currently exists.  As 
this was the last stop for the Senate bill Boyd  was speaking on behalf of all 
the CTC’s in the system.    
After his testimony, five Senators spoke about the  issue.  Senator Lynn (R 
- Daytona Beach) spoke in favor of the  coordinated system and requested 
that the sponsor, Senator Negron (R - Palm  City), address why he did not 
initially carve out the system.  Senator  Negron stated that it was a very close 
call and that he would defer to the  will of the legislators on this issue 
but that he himself would continue to  support the bill’s current position.  
He has heard from many of fellow  colleagues on this issue.  He gave five 
reasons.  (1) He believes  that managed care should “stand alone” and that 
Medicaid funding should not  be used to pay for another program (he was 
referencing the administrative  economies of scale produced by have the 
coordinated system which administers  ADA and TD in addition to Medicaid 
transportation).  He elaborated  further that the one check to pay for everything idea 
would result in  managed care providers having no excuse to explain 
performance issues.   (2) Some existing providers have found innovative ways 
(including provider  owned vans, etc.) to transport patients to their respective 
appointments,  and others could follow their example.  (3)  The CTD is 
currently  twenty-two months late in providing up to twenty-nine contract 
deliverable  reports.  He does not see this as being responsive or a good business  
practice.  (4)  Many current systems cannot cross county lines,  which could 
limit patient care in the various service areas.  (5)   Senator Negron sees 
it as a policy difference of opinion.  He will  continue to take input and 
would do what the majority of the members would  like him to do. 
After the Senators remarks, Senator Gaetz (R -  Destin) asked why existing 
providers could not simply bid on services with  the managed care operators. 
  Senator Negron responded that these  providers could bid on the work 
should they so desire. 
Senator Richter (R - Naples) disclosed he has  discussed the issue several 
times with Senator Negron and that he was  supportive of the current system. 
Senator Sobel (D - Hollywood) addressed the fact  that managed care 
operators provide service in order to make a profit.   She believed that the 
existing system provided the best opportunity for  positive patient outcomes. 
Senator Lynn spoke again and voiced support for the  system.  She believed 
that the reform proposal would encompass so many  aspects of health care 
that perhaps is was best to exempt coordination at  this time and look at it 
again down the road.  Another option would be  to perhaps initiate another 
pilot program as a test for change but Senator  Negron indicated he would not 
support this option.  Again, Senator  Negron stated that he was open to all 
ideas and would submit to the will of  the legislators even though he himself 
supported the change.     
The Budget Committee passed the bill out of the  Committee on a 17-4 vote.  
This is the last committee prior to moving  to the Senate floor.  This 
issue will not be taken up again until after  the Easter/Passover legislative 
break.  We will keep you advised as to  when the bill will be heard.   
With the members being home next week it is  important that the FACTS 
membership contact their Senators in their district  offices.  You can locate 
your Senators contact information at _http://www.flsenate.gov/Senators/_ 
(http://www.flsenate.gov/Senators/)       
If you have any questions, please let us  know. 
There is a lot to be done this next week in terms of  meeting with your 
Senators. We will have more material for you by Monday.  This afternoon, please 
book appointments with your Senators so that you can  see them next week 
while they are back in their district offices. Thank you  for your efforts. 
Sincerely,  
Boyd Thompson 
FACTS