ST. PAUL – State Rep. Bernie Perryman, R-St. Cloud, said a more practical approach is needed after several non-emergency medical transportation providers had their enrollment terminated, potentially disrupting transportation services for vulnerable Minnesotans.
Perryman said the issue stems from a federal provider recertification requirement that carried a June 1 deadline. Transportation providers across Minnesota were required to submit documentation and undergo review to maintain enrollment in Minnesota Health Care Programs. While many providers complied with the requirements and submitted requested materials, some are now reporting that their status has been changed to “terminated” while they continue waiting for the Minnesota Department of Human Services to complete its review process.
“People who depend on these transportation services should not be overlooked in this process,” Perryman said. “For many Minnesotans, particularly in regions such as ours outside the metro area, access to transportation is directly tied to access to healthcare.”
Perryman said one provider reported that DHS conducted a site visit and later terminated its enrollment over what appears to be a disagreement regarding whether a scheduling employee should have been listed as a management official. According to the provider, Perryman said, all requested information was supplied and the issue could have been resolved through a simple correction process.
“Patients should not suffer the consequences of a paperwork dispute,” Perryman said. “We need some common sense here. Providers deserve a reasonable opportunity to address administrative concerns before the state imposes enforcement measures that cut off services vulnerable Minnesotans need.”
Perryman said she encourages DHS to collaborate with providers to resolve outstanding compliance issues and ensure patients do not experience avoidable disruptions in care while appeals and reviews are underway.
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