MA S1397

Secretary of Health and Human Services must establish five regional pilot programs geographically dispersed across Massachusetts to test alternative non-emergency transport models for behavioral health patients

MassHealth and contracted insurers, health plans, HMOs, behavioral health management firms, and third-party administrators must provide reimbursement for non-emergency medical transport services delivered by pilot participants

Executive Office of Health and Human Services must consult with existing hospital-based providers of alternative behavioral health treatment when designing the pilot programs

Health Policy Commission, in collaboration with the Center for Health Information and Analysis and EOHHS, must study pilot effectiveness including transfer times, non-stigmatized patient treatment, and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional ambulance transport

Study must examine MassHealth reimbursement under the pilot and make recommendations for setting reimbursement rates in both Medicaid and commercial insurance markets