GEMT QUICK FACTS
VOLUNTARY PROGRAM
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GEMT is a voluntary program available to emergency medical transportation providers operated by or for any governmental entity. Local governing bodies have the option to choose whether or not they participate in the program. Each community can evaluate the expected benefits received with provider capacity and costs of program participation.
STABLE SOURCE OF FEDERAL FUNDING
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GEMT programs are entitlement programs are part of the federal Medicaid
System. They operate as part of the Social Security Act Title XIX and have been in use since 1965. There are no current plans to repeal or withdraw funds from providing this benefit.
ENHANCES QUALITY OF CARE
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Providing reliable and timely transportation to medical facilities during emergencies improves service delivery and care for Medicaid recipients. This program ultimately bridges gaps in transportation services, enabling Medicaid recipients to receive essential medical treatment without delays or obstacles.
IMPROVES WORKFORCE RETENTION AND ATTRACTION
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Emergency service providers were one of the most impacted workforce segments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Providing stable reimbursement mechanisms reduces financial uncertainties for emergency providers and allows them to develop a stable, motivated, and high-quality emergency medical workforce.
MILLIONS OF DOLLARS FOR MICHIGAN PROVIDERS
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Participation in the GEMT program offers significant financial benefits to local communities by injecting much-needed funding to offset the costs of emergency medical transportation services. This additional revenue can be vital for community health infrastructure, enhancing the overall quality of healthcare services and reducing financial burden on local taxpayers.
IMPROVING ACCESS, QUALITY, AND SUSTAINABILITY OF CARE is at the core of the GEMT program. Increased Medicaid reimbursement to Michigan’s communities will pave the way for IMPROVED EMERGENCY HEALTHCARE ACCESS AND OUTCOMES for Medicaid beneficiaries in the state.
BENEFITS OF THE GEMT PROGRAM
1
IMPROVES ACCESS TO EMERGENCY CARE
Providing care to Medicaid beneficiaries places a financial burden on communities, making it more difficult.
2
IMPROVES QUALITY OF CARE
Bridge the gap between patients and healthcare facilities, GEMT ensures timely access to essential care during emergencies.
3
IMPROVES RECRUITING
Emergency medical response has experienced a recruiting
crisis in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Increasing reimbursement to providers will help improve wages to attract more workers into the sector.
4
IMPROVES ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY
By bolstering the financial health of EMS agencies, the program supports job creation, stimulates local economies, and contributes to the overall well-being and safety of residents.
5
IMPROVES CARE OUTCOMES
