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Amend the bill by striking out everything after the enacting clause and before the summary and inserting the following:
‘Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §3174-JJ, as amended by PL 2013, c. 441, §1, is further amended to read:
§ 3174-JJ.MaineCare reimbursement for ambulance services
The department shall reimburse for ambulance services under MaineCare at a level that is not less than the average allowable reimbursement rate under Medicare for such services or at the highest percent of that level that is possible within resources appropriated for those purposes. Beginning March 1, 2015, the department shall reimburse for ambulance services under MaineCare at a level that is not less than 65% of the average allowable reimbursement rate under Medicare for such services. Beginning March 1, 2018, the department shall reimburse for ambulance services under MaineCare at a level that is not less than 70% of the average allowable reimbursement rate under Medicare for such services. The department may not reduce any reimbursement rate in this section to a level that is less than the rate as of January 1, 2017.
Sec. 2. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and allocations are made.
 
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF (FORMERLY DHS)
 
Medical Care - Payments to Providers 0147
 
Initiative: Provides appropriations and allocations to increase the reimbursement rate for ambulance services to 70% of the average allowable reimbursement rate under Medicare.

GENERAL FUND	2017-18	2018-19	
All Other	$231,334	$694,198	
			
GENERAL FUND TOTAL	$231,334	$694,198	

FEDERAL EXPENDITURES FUND	2017-18	2018-19	
All Other	$417,570	$1,252,515	
			
FEDERAL EXPENDITURES FUND TOTAL	$417,570	$1,252,515	
 
’
 
SUMMARY
This amendment removes the provisions in the bill that relate to community paramedicine services. It increases beginning March 1, 2018 the reimbursement rate for ambulance services under the MaineCare program under current law from 65% to 70% of the average allowable reimbursement rate under Medicare. It provides that the Department of Health and Human Services may not lower any reimbursement rates for ambulance services below the rates as of January 1, 2017. The amendment also adds an appropriations and allocations section.
FISCAL NOTE REQUIRED
(See attached)