An Act To Restore MaineCare Coverage for Ambulatory Surgical Center Services

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  the elimination of MaineCare coverage for ambulatory surgical center services in Public Law 2011, chapter 657 has resulted in a shift of services to more expensive inpatient settings; and

Whereas,  the elimination of MaineCare coverage for ambulatory surgical center services in Public Law 2011, chapter 657 has resulted in access problems for MaineCare beneficiaries, particularly in the medical specialties of orthopedics, ophthalmology and gastroenterology; and

Whereas,  an immediate restoration of MaineCare coverage for ambulatory surgical center services will address the access problems and will reduce costs in the MaineCare program; and

Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Sec. 1. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and allocations are made.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF (FORMERLY DHS)

Medical Care - Payments to Providers 0147

Initiative: Appropriates funds to restore funding for MaineCare coverage for ambulatory surgical center services.

GENERAL FUND	2012-13	2013-14	2014-15
All Other	$77,697	$93,274	$93,274
GENERAL FUND TOTAL	$77,697	$93,274	$93,274

FEDERAL EXPENDITURES FUND	2012-13	2013-14	2014-15
All Other	$133,839	$148,619	$148,619
FEDERAL EXPENDITURES FUND TOTAL	$133,839	$148,619	$148,619

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This bill restores funding for MaineCare coverage for ambulatory surgical center services.