Legislation to direct the Department of Health and Human Services to participate in The United States Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Ground Emergency Medical Transport (GEMT) program is anticipated to be introduced tomorrow by Rep. Mike McFall as HB 5965.

CMS oversees the Ground Emergency Medical Transportation (GEMT) program. GEMT provides reimbursement to local agencies transporting Medicaid enrollees. This program improves access to emergency services for Medicaid beneficiaries, bridging the gap between patients and healthcare facilities and facilitating timely care during emergencies. Over 2.8 million Medicaid enrollees in Michigan do not receive the full reimbursement available from the federal government.  HB5965 would codify the state’s participation in the GEMT program and, coupled with a $2M appropriation included in the House DHHS budget, will support Michigan’s participation and implementation of the program.

While Michigan doesn’t currently participate in the program, our state has the 8th-highest number of Medicaid enrollees in the nation. Local emergency services and ambulance providers are not fully reimbursed by Medicaid to cover the costs of medical transportation for this significant segment of our communities.

GEMT is a voluntary program available to emergency medical transportation providers operated by or for any governmental entity. Local governments directly providing emergency transportation services have the option to choose whether they participate in the program.

Communities that are interested in participating in a GEMT Program, when made available in Michigan, can offer their support by passing a resolution, including an acknowledgment to HB 5695, and sharing that resolution with the League and their respective lawmakers.

Herasanna Richards is a legislative associate handling energy, environment, public safety, and technology for the League. She can be reached at [email protected] or 517-908-0309.