Title
Consider approving Resolution No. 2019-127 adopting a Charity Care Policy pursuant to the Ambulance Supplement Payment Program; and take appropriate action
Body
BACKGROUND:
The City of Farmers Branch uses the Ambulance Supplemental Payment Program (ASPP) to collect ambulance transportation fees that are not paid by Medicare, Medicaid, and Uninsured Patients. The program is administrated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). To meet the program's detail compliance requirements, the City utilizes the services of Revenue Optimization Solutions, LLC as our ASPP consultant. The City has applied for and has received ASPP funds since 2014 and has recovered $565,537 in un-paid ambulance transportation charges.
DISCUSSION:
On December 21, 2017, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) received Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) approval to extend the Texas 1115 waiver program, which authorizes the Ambulance Supplemental Payment Program (ASPP). The extension is for an additional five-year period beginning October 2017 through September 2022. The ASPP ensures that millions of low-income Texas residents have access to care. The ASPP renewal will provide level funding amounts for the first two years based on the reimbursement methodology that is currently in place. Beginning October 1, 2019, the reimbursement methodology will be revised to reimburse providers for uncompensated Charity Care costs only and will no longer include the reimbursement of Medicaid shortfall costs. EMS providers who wish to participate in the ASPP after October 1, 2019 must have a Charity Care policy in place to distinguish the costs that will be included in the program. The attached Charity Care Policy was created by our ASPP consultant, in partnership with our 3rd party EMS billing company, EMERGICON, to meet the new program compliance requirements.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Budgeted Financial Impact of +/-$300,000 of revenue in the FY 2020-21 b...
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