HB 5857

Abstract

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Sets forth the following findings of the General Assembly: (i) access to ground ambulance services improves health equity, increases access to quality care, and reduces health disparities in underserved communities; (ii) due to the underfunding of these critical services by the federal Medicare and Medicaid programs, there is a growing scarcity of non-emergency ground ambulance services in underserved, minority communities in this State; and (iii) the State has an interest in providing funding to nonemergency ground ambulance service providers in affected communities. Creates the Safety-Net Ambulance Sustainability Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Provides that the Fund shall consist of any federal, State, or private moneys designated for deposit into the Fund and all interest earned on moneys in the Fund. Provides that moneys in the Fund, including all accrued interest thereon, shall only be used and disbursed by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to support the operating expenses of nongovernmental ground ambulance providers in high-Medicaid communities. Provides that any amounts expended from the Fund that are later recouped by the Department following an audit or otherwise shall be returned to the Fund. Amends the State Finance Act. Adds the Safety-Net Ambulance Sustainability Fund to the list of special funds under the Act.