STATEMENT OF ISSUE
StarMetro requests approval of our participation in the NET program and authorization for the City Manager to finalize an agreement with the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged. Chapter 427.11 Florida Statutes and Rule 41-2 Florida Administrative Code requires that all Florida counties provide paratransit transportation services for those considered transportation disadvantaged through physical, mental or economic circumstances. StarMetro is the Community Transportation Coordinator (CTC) for Leon County. One of several agencies purchasing transportation through the coordinated system is the Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged (Medicaid) for the non-emergency transport (NET) of clients.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Option 1 - approve StarMetro’s participation in the NET program and authorize the City Manager to finalize an agreement with the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged.
FISCAL IMPACT
This is a multi-year contract; all trips provided are reimbursable through the Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged (CTD). For January-June, 2009, a fixed amount of $306,418, with monthly lump sum payments of $51,070 (the June payment to be $51,068) will be provided to StarMetro. In addition, the projected revenue for July, 2009-June, 2010 is $ 617,985. Although this contract is a multi-year contract, the CTD cannot expend money, incur any liability, or enter into any contract that, by its terms, involves the expenditure of money in excess of the amounts budgeted as available for expenditure during such fiscal year. The total contract amount listed in this contract includes amounts estimated for the period of July 2009 through August 2011 and is subject to change based on legislative appropriations. StarMetro monitors this program closely so that expenditures do not exceed the total allocation.
The Budget Office and Procurement have reviewed this item and it meets City budget guidelines.
Ronald Garrison, Executive Director, StarMetro
Anita Favors Thompson, City Manager
For information, please contact: Donna Peacock, Superintendent Paratransit Ops., ext. 5196
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL/ISSUE ANALYSIS
HISTORY/FACTS & ISSUES
Chapter 427.11 Florida Statutes and Rule 41-2 Florida Administrative Code requires that all Florida counties provide services for the transportation disadvantaged. Florida residents are considered transportation disadvantaged if they are physically, mentally, or economically unable to provide their own transportation. The Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged (CTD) oversees the disbursement of funds and operation of the Transportation Disadvantaged Program in each county. One of several agencies purchasing transportation through the coordinated system is the Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged (Medicaid) for the non-emergency transport of clients.
In 2003, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) solicited assistance from the CTD in an effort to contain costs, improve coordination and efficiency. AHCA proposed transferring the non-emergency Medicaid transportation program to the CTD for managing. Funding for this program is allocated by the Legislature on a yearly basis, with each county being allocated an amount to fund the program.
StarMetro, as provider of non emergency transportation (NET) services in Leon County will be responsible for the managing of the program, identifying subcontracted transportation providers for transport of the clients, receiving encounter data, eligibility determinations and billing. For these services StarMetro will receive a lump sum payment each month, not to exceed the allocated amount. Upon approval, the Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged will enter into a Memorandum of Agreement as the NET program provider for Leon County.
There are numerous benefits to having StarMetro as the NET program coordinator.
The January-June, 2009 allocation for this program is $306,418, with monthly lump sum payments of $51,070. The allocation for Leon is slightly less than in previous years due to funding cuts by the 2008 Legislature. In order to stay within the allocation, Medicaid recipient are required to certify their transportation eligibility and the fixed route transportation system will be used where appropriate. This program is closely monitored for it is not the department’s position to operate the program at a deficit.
CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS
This is an agreement between the Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged and the City of Tallahassee/StarMetro and charitable contributions are not applicable.
OPTIONS
1. Approve StarMetro’s participation in the NET program and authorize the City Manager to finalize an agreement with the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged.
Pros: Transportation services for Medicaid recipients in Leon County will continue with no interruption in services
Cons: The Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged will have to immediately contract with a carrier for an interim period until an RFP process can be completed to execute a contract for services in Leon County.
2. Do not approve and provide alternative direction to staff.
Pros: The City would not have the responsibility of providing transportation services to Medicaid recipients in Leon County.
Cons: Would greatly impact the delivery of service to Medicaid recipients in Leon County.
ATTACHMENTS/REFERENCES
Attachment 1 - Subcontracted Transportation Provider Agreement