ICYMI: Stewart Bill to Provide Safe, Reliable Transportation for Patients Passes Committee

DENVER, CO – The House Health and Human Services Committee yesterday passed a bill to improve non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for Medicaid patients and drivers. HB26-1328 would improve patient experience and strengthen oversight in the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HPCF). 

“We’re taking clear steps to improve NEMT in Colorado, so patients have access to safe, reliable transportation for their medical appointments,” said Rep. Katie Stewart, D-Durango. “This bipartisan bill establishes necessary accountability measures within HPCF to reduce fraud and protect patients. In rural districts like mine, NEMT is a vital resource to patients, and no one should have to miss health care because their transportation fell through. Our goal is to improve patient safety and health outcomes for Coloradans by strengthening NEMT and ensuring the transportation services are being utilized by the patients who need them.”

HB26-1328 passed by a vote of 13-0 and is also sponsored by Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, R-Trinidad. This bill would create a new advisory board that would be required to collaborate with the transportation brokers to establish rules and processes that prioritize patient and driver safety.

To strengthen patient safety, NEMT transportation providers would be required to maintain auditable electronic trip records, including patient pick-up and drop-off locations, GPS location data with time stamps, mileage traveled, and driver identification. Video camera footage may also be audited when patient privacy and confidentiality guidelines are followed.

HB26-1328 also helps NEMT transportation providers by requiring changes in billing procedures to be clear, limited, and communicated to drivers. Brokers will be allowed to work with patients to schedule rides in advance and with adequate accommodation. To make ride scheduling seamless for patients, this bill allows patients to schedule both one-time and recurring rides, request a specific transportation provider, and have their preferences documented for auditing purposes. 

To ensure ambulances can continue responding quickly to emergencies, they would be exempt from the new requirements of this bill. Rideshare companies that choose to participate in NEMT will be required to follow guidelines.