HCS HB 98 -- TRANSPORTATION SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY

SPONSOR:  Nance (Parson)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Special Committee on
Senior Citizen Advocacy by a vote of 7 to 0.

This substitute authorizes each area agency on aging to establish
a volunteer program for the transportation of elderly individuals
to scheduled, health care-related appointments.  Participating
volunteers must use their own vehicles and may be reimbursed by
the agency at the same rate as state employees for any mileage
allowance or reimbursement due.  Subject to appropriation, each
area agency may request funding of up to $1,000 annually from the
Department of Health and Senior Services to assist with the
administration costs of the program.

The provisions of the substitute will expire six years from the
effective date.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Cost on General Revenue Fund of Up to
$115,000 in FY 2008, FY 2009, and FY 2010.  No impact on Other
State Funds in FY 2008, FY 2009, and FY 2010.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill provides benefits to
senior citizens who have health conditions that prevent them from
driving; and the additional support would be helpful, especially
in rural areas.  The area agencies on aging currently have
liability insurance for the volunteers that provide
transportation services for seniors.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Parson; Arthritis
Foundation-Eastern Missouri Chapter; and Missouri Alliance of
Area Agencies on Aging.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated July 25, 2007 at 11:18 am