CA SB1374

Requires the Department of Health Care Services to adopt regulations establishing Medi-Cal reimbursement rates for ground ambulance services by July 1, 2015.

Department must use one of two methodologies: (1) conduct a cost-based rate study, hold public hearings, and adopt final regulations based on public input and evidence, or (2) establish rates at a percentage of the Medicare Ambulance Fee Schedule using a federal Government Accountability Office study as the evidentiary base.

Findings indicate that 90 percent of Medi-Cal ground ambulance transports are emergencies and current payment rates cover only one-quarter of average service costs, threatening the 911 emergency medical system.

References existing state law requiring ground ambulance services for prison inmates and workers' compensation recipients to be reimbursed at no more than 120 percent of the Medicare Ambulance Fee Schedule.