EMTA board discusses medical transportation funds

By Amanda Renko (Staff Writer)
Published: January 26, 2012

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The Endless Mountains Transportation Authority, like transit programs statewide, could be faced with adjustments to its Medical Assistance Transportation Program due to a lack of state funding.

The program, which provides transportation for eligible participants to and from medical appointments, has taken dramatic cuts of up to 25 percent at the state level, EMTA acting general manager Bill Nichols told the authority's board of directors Wednesday.

"It appears there's a real crisis coming," Nichols said.

The state is mandated to provide the program through federal law, but funding cuts coupled with increased eligibility for the program may make it impossible for not only EMTA, but transit authorities statewide to provide the services beyond March or April, Nichols said.

EMTA officials have received no guidance from the MATP program as to whether or not relief will be provided, Nichols said. While it is unknown at this time exactly when the authority's MATP funds will be used up, Nichols said EMTA faces the possibility of having to severely reduce or even eliminate the program if state legislation does not restore the funding.

The state Department of Transportation informed transit authorities that they are not to use Department of Public Welfare or Pennsylvania Lottery funds it receives for other transportation programs toward the MATP program, Nichols said.

Nichols said the authority would not take on debt to continue the program.

"It can't be the responsibility of the service provider to bail out the federal and state government," he said.

Nichols said he and the board hope to project when the money will run out and explore ways to prolong the remaining funds for as long as possible. Options include prioritizing patients with serious health issues, such as those needing transportation to and from dialysis and chemotherapy appointments.

"We certainly can't do what we've been doing," cautioned board member John Backman.

EMTA's recently installed management team, in place through a strategic plan developed by PennDOT, told board members Wednesday they are working to streamline operations and manage financial matters.

"We've been trying to manage cash flow," Nichols said. "We've basically been in a mode of catch-up."

Operations officer Marge Tillotson reported that a route recently set up between the Federal Emergency Management Agency mobile home community in Athens Township and several locations in the Valley appeared to be underutilized. As of Wednesday, the route had run twice a day for about a week and a half.

"We don't seem to get a lot of ridership out of that," she said, mentioning that officials will revisit the need for the route in the coming days.

The authority recently hired five "very much needed" drivers, Tillotson said.

The board also held its annual reorganization Wednesday. Bob Getz was nominated board chair, Mark Smith vice-president, Steve Pelton treasurer and Jean Terrell secretary.

Amanda Renko can be reached at (570) 888-9652; or email: arenko@thedailyreview.com.

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