maasm.gif (5605 bytes)

Thursday, January 24, 2008

http://maa.dshs.wa.gov/transportation/ 
Files published on this site need Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to view.  Use this link to download it free from Adobe.  Scroll down and start at step 1.  Use this link for other free products used to view software.

Program Information

This page tells how the transportation program saves money by coordination, accountability and cost control.  Detailed annual costs are given.  

Through the Medicaid Transportation Program, the Medical Assistance Administration (MAA) assures access to necessary non emergency medical services for all Medicaid clients who have no other means of transportation. MAA contracts with nine regional brokers in thirteen broker regions to screen client requests for eligibility, and arrange the most appropriate, least costly method of transportation for the client, including (from least to most costly): public bus, gas vouchers, client and volunteer mileage reimbursement, nonprofit providers, taxi, cabulance and commercial bus and air. The MAA transportation program is currently providing 39,100 trips per week at an average cost of $17.31 per trip (this reflects 2000 data).

Coordination: MAA has developed agreements with Mental Health Services and with Aging and Adult Services to transport eligible clients to treatment at Mental Health Centers and Adult Day Health Centers. MAA has also developed agreements to transport Adoption Support clients, Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Daycare clients, Kidney Disease Program clients, and Division of Disability Determination Service Supplemental Security Income (SSI) clients to eligible services.

Cost Control:  Under the brokered system, MAA has provided more rides at a lower cost than was possible under the centralized system that existed prior to the brokering system.

UPDATE: 02-23-06

Fiscal Year
Costs1
Trips Statewide
Public Transit Trips %
Total Cost2
Average Trip Cost2

1985

$1,668,017.00

49,464

0

Unknown

$33.733
The above figures are costs prior to the Brokerage Program.

1991

$ 6,260,742

636,702

17%

$7,349,881

$11.54

1992

$ 8,828,324

842,562

20%

$10,154,812

$12.05

1993

$12,947,727

1,027,770

22%

$14,544,776

$14.15

1994

$16,051,855

1,297,922

29%

$18,224,470

$14.04

1995

$17,511,516

1,504,042

37%

$20,117,983

$13.76

1996

$21,574,690

1,826,173

40%

$24,706,469

$13.53

1997

$23,397,781

1,786,572

34%

$27,626,896

$15.46

1998

$24,608,559

1,833,658

34%

$28,968,443

$15.80

1999

$26,925,328

1,896,626

35%

$31,541,742

$16.63

2000

$29,524,689

2,033,224

33%

$35,197,811

$17.31

2001

$33,206,521

2,231,650

37%

$39,334,752

$17.63

2002

$38,015,722

2,578,578

37%

$44,948,038

$17.43

2003

$42,645,110

2,828,538

36%

$50,280,806

$17.78

2004

$45,646,948

2,974,069

36%

$54,189,072

$18.22

2005

$48,786,554

3,239,392

38%

$57,041,862

$17.61

“Fiscal Year” runs from July 1st through June 30th.
     For example, Fiscal Year 2005 means July 2004 through June 2005.
1 Excludes administrative costs & non-trip service costs (lodging, meals, etc.).
2 Includes service trip costs and administrative costs.  (No lodging, meals, etc.)
3 Service trip costs only.
Lodging, meals, etc. may be exception-authorized to reduce trip & medical costs.

Accountability: In addition to the benefits of increased coordination, client access, and cost containment, the implementation of the brokerage system has improved:

  • Appropriate utilization

  • Provider satisfaction

  • Oversight of providers

  • Paperwork reduction

  • Fraud detection

  • Development of local resources

MAA must assure access for clients, who have no other resources, to get to and from covered medical services in the most appropriate, least costly way.

In Washington State there are eight contracted brokers who are responsible for the transportation needs of approximately 700,000 Medical Assistance clients.  Statewide, the brokers arrange approximately 39,100 trips each week. Brokers are contracted to cover all areas of the state. They may be accessed by telephone at no cost to the caller.

It is important for the client or their representative to request transportation well in advance of a prearranged appointment. If given less than 48 hours notice and resources are at capacity, the broker may request the client attempt to reschedule the medical appointment.

All areas of the state are seeking additional transportation providers, especially volunteers.  Interested individuals/companies should contact the broker for their region.  Current transportation levels (from least to most costly) include: public bus, gas voucher, client and volunteer mileage reimbursement, nonprofit providers, taxi, cabulance, and commercial bus and air.    

Clients: Individuals found eligible for medical services who have a current medical card or are verified as eligible for Medicaid by a representative of the Department of Social and Health Services.

No other resources: The broker conducts screening to determine that the client has no other way to reach medical care.

Covered medical services: Services must be covered by Medicaid. The brokered transportation program cannot transport to services not covered under the client’s program indicated on the card. Therefore, the medical necessity of each trip must be documented. Transportation is provided to the closest medical provider of type.

Most appropriate, least costly: The broker must assess the individual’s abilities to use public transportation and then refer that individual to the level of transportation most suited to those abilities.

Return to Transportation Services Homepage

Modified: January 24, 2008 .  Send comments or questions about the Medical Assistance Administration Web site to: MAA Webmaster.

For more ways to get in touch with the Department of Social and Health Services, go to the  DSHS Contact Information Page.

Technical Site Comments:  DSHS Webmaster

DSHS Home Page | MAA Home Page
DSHS Search