On Feb. 1, responsibility for providing non-emergency transportation
to Volusia County Medicaid-eligible residents will change from Votran to
MV Transportation. This change comes after a decision by the Volusia
County Council Dec. 20 to decline a contract amendment that included an
18 percent reduction in Medicaid reimbursement to support the service.
“It was a difficult decision because we believe strongly in the benefits
of coordinated transportation,” said Lois Bollenback, general manager of
Votran. “However, with the budget constraints existing at the local level,
we don’t believe the County could absorb another rate cut without having to
subsidize the program.”
The monthly allocation available for providing the service in Volusia
County was reduced from $169,562 to $136,790 on Sept. 1. It was reduced
again to $112,256 on Jan 1. Votran provided 54,222 Medicaid trips during
fiscal year 2007, an average of 4,518 per month.
“We have seen a slight decrease in demand in recent months, but nothing
that compares to the funding cuts that have occurred,” Bollenback said.
Votran is working with MV Transportation to ensure a smooth transition of
services.
“We remain committed to supporting the residents of Volusia County and
will work hard to ensure that no one falls through the cracks,” said
Bollenback. “MV Transportation is experienced in managing changes such as
this, and we’re confident the needs of consumers will be addressed
throughout this period of change.”
Beginning Jan. 30, Medicaid customers must call (866) 289-1520 to make
reservations for trips that will occur on or after Feb 1.
Votran will continue to offer its Gold Service to non-Medicaid clients
who, because of physical or mental disability or age, are unable to
transport themselves and cannot use fixed-route bus service.
