CA AB1328

Sets Medi-Cal fee-for-service reimbursement for nonemergency ambulance transportation at 80% of the federal Medicare ambulance fee schedule, adjusted by the Geographic Practice Cost Index for the service area, effective July 1, 2027, subject to legislative appropriation

Requires the Department of Health Care Services to establish a Medi-Cal managed care directed payment program for nonemergency ambulance transportation with reimbursement rates at least equal to the fee-for-service rates

Allows either a physician or an authorized nonphysician to certify medical necessity for nonemergency ambulance transportation for Medi-Cal coverage purposes, conforming to federal standards in 42 CFR Section 410.40

Permits medical transportation providers to document mileage using vehicle GPS tracking, digital mapping software, or other department-approved mechanisms, in addition to traditional odometer readings

Directs the department to maximize federal financial participation and use state funds if federal funding is unavailable, and requires updates to the Medi-Cal provider manual and regulations to implement these changes