North Whatcom Fire and Rescue (NWFR) is enrolling in a new state program that reimburses public organizations for transporting Medicaid recipients.
The program, called Ground Emergency Medical Transportation (GEMT), was established as a result of House Bill 2007 that was passed by the state legislature during the 2015-16 session. It’s open to publicly-owned or operated organizations that provide ground emergency transportation to Washington Apple Health Medicaid recipients and funds the actual cost of transport.
“Federal monies have always been available to assist with the actual cost of providing care to patients that are on Medicaid programs. Until recently, only hospitals were able to take advantage of this program,” NWFR fire chief William Pernett said in a presentation to the NWFR fire commissioners.