- MedRide
Colorado Passes HB26-1328: What the NEMT Modernization Bill Means for Medicaid Members and Providers
Big news for Coloradans who rely on non-emergency medical transportation.
On May 4, the Colorado House of Representatives passed HB26-1328 by a 56-9 vote. The state Senate followed on May 11 with an even stronger 32-3 margin, sending the bipartisan NEMT modernization bill to Governor Polis. It is one of the most significant pieces of NEMT legislation in Colorado history, and MedRide is proud to have played a role in helping it get there.
What Is HB26-1328?
HB26-1328, formally titled “Concerning Nonemergency Medical Transportation for Medicaid Members,” represents the most comprehensive reform of Colorado’s NEMT system to date. The bill addresses provider support, program accountability, federal funding, and formally recognizes transportation as a core part of the healthcare continuum.
The legislation passed with rare bipartisan support, clearing both chambers by overwhelming margins. That kind of consensus reflects how broadly this reform was embraced across stakeholders: lawmakers, healthcare providers, patient advocates, and transportation operators all working together to move it forward.
What Changes Under the New Law
HB26-1328 makes four significant updates to how NEMT operates in Colorado:
NEMT is now officially classified as a medical service. Previously treated as an administrative cost, non-emergency medical transportation is now recognized as a medical service under Colorado Medicaid. This reclassification unlocks higher federal match rates, meaning more federal dollars flow into Colorado’s NEMT reimbursement pool and strengthen the long-term sustainability of the program for everyone who depends on it.
A new Transportation Community Advisory Board will be established within HCPF. Known as the TCAB, this board creates a structured, ongoing forum for stakeholder input. Providers, patients, and community organizations will have a seat at the table as the program continues to evolve and new rules are developed.
Brokers are now required to provide providers with software, training, and technical assistance. This directly addresses a longstanding gap where NEMT providers sometimes lacked the tools to consistently meet compliance standards. Under HB26-1328, brokers bear direct responsibility for equipping the providers in their networks.
Auditable electronic trip records are now mandated statewide. Verifiable, digital documentation protects providers, strengthens program integrity, and brings Colorado’s NEMT system into alignment with modern healthcare data standards.
Why This Matters for Patients
For people who depend on rides to dialysis, chemotherapy, physical therapy, and other covered medical appointments, this bill is about more than policy. It is about making sure the ride shows up, every time. The funding and structural improvements created by HB26-1328 help sustain and expand the provider network that Medicaid members across Colorado count on.
In communities like Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Grand Junction, and Denver, where MedRide operates daily, this legislation reinforces the infrastructure that connects vulnerable patients to the essential care they deserve.
MedRide's Role in Shaping the Law
MedRide Vice President Tyler Borzileri worked alongside lawmakers, lobbyists Emma Hudson and Nathalie Clavette (Carrick Strategies), legislative leaders, industry partners, and stakeholders throughout the legislative process to help advance HB26-1328. His take on what Colorado has accomplished:
“Colorado has created a blueprint that other states can and should adopt as they work to ensure Medicaid members receive reliable, coordinated access to essential care they deserve through NEMT.”
The values embedded in this legislation… accountability, provider investment, transparency, and patient-centered care… are the same values MedRide has built its operations around. Our commitment to driver training and vetting, fleet safety and maintenance, operational excellence, and compassionate service reflects the standards this bill was designed to elevate across the entire industry.
We are proud of the collaborative effort that helped advance HB26-1328 and strengthen the future of NEMT in Colorado. This is a significant win for our clients, healthcare partners, and communities across the state.
Ready to schedule a Medicaid ride or learn more about MedRide’s services across Colorado? Contact us today or call 719-545-3333.