Subject: Vendor rate increase of ambulance services.

     Effective Date: July 1, 2001.

     Document Description: Effective with dates of service on or after July 1, 2001, the Medical Assistance Administration (MAA) will implement an average two and one-tenth percent (2.1%) vendor rate increase for fee-for-service programs, as authorized by the 2001-2003 Biennium Appropriations Act. Based on input from the Washington Ambulance Association (WAA), MAA will implement the following rate changes for ambulance services:

•	The amount of the vendor rate increase allocated for ground ambulance services will be applied entirely to the base rates (first client only); and
•	The amount of the vendor rate increase allocated for air ambulance services will be applied entirely to the liftoff fees.

     These actions result in an effective rate increase of 3.1% for ground ambulance base rates, 6.7% for the fixed wing air ambulance liftoff fee, and 6.0% for the rotary liftoff fee. Rates for all other ground and air ambulance procedure codes remain unchanged.

     To receive a copy of the interpretive or policy statement, contact Kevin Sullivan, Regulatory Improvement Coordinator, Department of Social and Health Services, Medical Assistance Administration, Division of Program Support, P.O. Box 45533, Olympia, WA 98504, phone (360) 725-1344 or go to website http://maa.dshs.wa.gov (click on Numbered Memorandum link), TDD 1-800-848-5429, fax (360) 586-9727, e-mail mailto:sullikm@dshs.wa.gov.

July 16, 2001

E. A. Myers, Acting Manager

Regulatory Improvement Project

© Washington State Code Reviser's Office