TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Governor DeSantis has signed a law enabling Lyft to provide transportation services to Medicaid beneficiaries in Florida.
According to officials, the newly signed law takes effect July 1.
It will authorize transportation network companies under state and federal Medicaid requirements, to provide nonemergency medical transportation services to Medicaid recipients.
Officials say the bill also requires the state Agency for Health Care Administration to update its policies to reflect the authorization.
“I was honored to sponsor this legislation, which will bring much-needed relief to thousands of Floridians struggling with the high costs of transportation and health care,” said Senator Jeff Brandes. “Bold ideas are the key to providing affordable solutions to our health care challenges, and the transparency and convenience offered by ridesharing companies will make a meaningful difference in the lives of many Floridians.”
Unfortunately in the past, Medicaid patients had to rely on nonemergency medical transportation that didn’t always assure them a ride or on-demand scheduling.
The use of Lyft and similar services could also dramatically increase cost savings in the taxpayer-funded program.
“Floridians deserve access to affordable, convenient transportation services, which is why I sponsored this legislation that our state has now chosen to embrace,” said Representative Daniel Perez. “With rising costs for health care, we must do everything we can to find innovative, affordable solutions, especially for our state’s most vulnerable citizens.”
Lyft is already an enrolled Medicaid provider in Arizona, following all new state regulations for nonemergency medical transportation.
"The company sees a natural connection between Medicaid patients looking for affordable and convenient rides and states trying to save money on the cost of nonemergency medical transportation," said Lyft’s Vice President of Healthcare, Megan Callahan. "As Lyft continues to grow in the healthcare market, we welcome the opportunity to serve all Medicaid beneficiaries."
To learn more about Lyft’s role in patient transportation, click here.
