HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 02-12-1996 - IX-G 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Action Agenda
G
I tern No �-
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: February 5, 1996
SUBJECT: Implementation of Co-Payment for Orange Public Transportation
Medical Transportation Service
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DEPARTMENT Aging PUBLIC HEARING YES NO x
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ATTACHMENT(S) : INFORMATION CONTACT
Jerry M. Passmore
TELEPHONE NUMBER
Hillsborough 732-8181
Chapel Hill 968-4501
Mebane 227-2031
Durham 688-7331
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PURPOSE:
To request permission to implement a co-payment for medical
transportation for users of the NCDOT-funded Elderly and Disabled
Transportation Assistance Program.
BACKGROUND:
In 1989 the North Carolina General Assembly established the Elderly and
Disabled Transportation Assistance Program (EDTAP) to assist small
transit systems across the state with operational costs. The Orange
County Human Services Transportation Board designated these funds
primarily for medical transportation purposes. As costs and demands
increased the Board revised its decision to use EDTAP funds exclusively
for medical trips. In the fiscal year ending June 30, 1995 Orange
Public Transportation (OPT) provided 5,402 medical trips, twice the
number projected for the state EDTAP program. Cost overruns were
covered by a combination of lapsed salaries and underutilization in
other programs. In the first six months of FY 95-96 medical trips
provided have been 101% (2,603 trips) of the state funded EDTAP goal of
2,590 trips. At the current cost of $12.25 per trip, the additional
EDTAP Program expense is projected to be $31,887 for the remainder of
FY 95-96.
In anticipation of continued program demand, the Transportation Board
and staff began to study alternatives in November, 1994 . An intensive
review of the program' s riders and destinations was conducted. Appeals
were made to medical service providers to contribute toward the costs.
2
All 294 riders were surveyed in October,1995 about the EDTAP Medical
transportation and about their willingness to contribute. From the 160
riders who responded, the survey indicated that 99% of respondents were
pleased with the service, indicating that staff were helpful and polite
and would use the service again. In response to the question about
ability to pay 4% indicated that they could pay nothing at all, 18%
could pay less than $1.00, 29% could pay $1 .00, 26% could pay $1.50, 9%
could pay $2.00, and 14% were able to pay $3.00. Based upon these
results the median response of $1.50 per one way trip beginning March 1
would result in approximately $2,600 to support the medical
transportation program in this fiscal year and $7,809 for FY96-97.
Other revenue sources would be identified to fund the much-needed
service.
If a person states they are unable to pay for the established fare, OPT
staff would refer the elderly or disabled to the Department on Aging to
do a financial needs assessment. If the person is found not to qualify
for Medicaid, but their income is below 125% of poverty level, the fare
will be picked up by the Dept.on Aging or another low-income resource. .
RECON2-1ENDATION:
The Manager recommends that the County Commissioners set a $1.50 per-trip
co-payment for medical trips provided by the Orange Public
Transportation' s Elderly and Disabled Transportation Assistance Program
effective March 1, 1996.
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