As the Medicaid broker, Tri-Met tries to use its own fixed route bus system to provide service but also subcontracts with smaller, private operators to provide other modes of transportation. Subcontractors negotiate separately approved fare structures. Beneficiaries are provided information about the program at the time Medicaid eligibility is determined. A brochure details information regarding the availability of medical transportation for those who have no transportation resources available to them. In addition to the brochure, the beneficiaries' monthly Medical Care Identification Form also informs them of the transportation program.
Beneficiaries contact the broker via a toll free number.
A Customer Service Representative screens the ride request to determine the appropriate type of transportation and to assign the trip using the lowest cost appropriate provider. Due to increased knowledge of the program and easier access to the broker, utilization per eligible has increased from 4.071 rides prior to the start of the waiver to a projected 6.661 during the renewal period. To determine savings, total costs under the waiver were compared to total costs that would have been incurred in absence of the waiver. The State uses the cost per ride without the waiver in its negotiations for the contract cost per ride with the waiver to ensure cost effectiveness. The State monitors contractor surpluses and adjusts the contractor's rate accordingly, not to exceed the cost per ride without the waiver.