|
For Immediate
Release
5/4/11
Listen
|
Watch
Ward Legislation Limiting State-Funded
Transportation to Methadone Clinics Approved by Committee
Harrisburg – Legislation sponsored by Sen. Kim Ward (R-39) to place
commonsense limits on state-funded transportation to methadone clinics was
unanimously approved by the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee today.
Under
Senate Bill 638, the Department of Public Welfare would require that
individuals who receive methadone treatment services covered by Medicaid under
the Medical Assistance Transportation Program receive their treatment at the
clinic closest to their residence.
"The lack of limits on taxpayer-funded transportation to methadone clinics
has resulted in an open-ended taxi service paid for with scarce state tax
dollars. The state is not in a financial position to afford this," Ward said.
"With a tight spending plan in this year's budget, this is the perfect time to
rein in the costs associated with this transportation plan," she concluded.
The state Medical Assistance Transportation Program provides transportation
to individuals who are receiving methadone treatments by either reimbursing
those with private vehicles at a rate of 25 cents per mile or by providing rides
in vans and taxis with little accountability regarding the most cost-effective
mode of transportation to the clinic.
Contact:
Tom
Aikens
(724) 600-7002
|
