Provider Notice issued 07/28/2026

Government Owned Transportation Providers – Ground Emergency Medical Transportation (GEMT) – 2027 Participation

The information in this notice applies to all government owned transportation providers that deliver ambulance services in the Medical Assistance program.

By informational notice dated August 9, 2019, the Department introduced a supplemental payment methodology that would allow government providers to receive supplemental payments above the fee schedule rates they currently receive, if their cost to provide the services exceeds the reimbursement the providers currently receive based on the Department's Transportation Fee Schedule.

In order to participate in the program in calendar year 2027, government owned and operated providers of emergency ambulance services should complete the cost report form available on the Department's Cost Reports webpage. A new cost report is required even if a provider is currently participating in the program in 2026.

For providers who will participate for the first time in 2027, an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) also on the Cost Reports webpage must be signed by the officer authorized to sign contracts for the unit of local government that owns and operates the ambulance provider. This authorized officer should be the Mayor, Village or Town Administrator, or the head of the Fire Protection District.

The cost report (and signed IGA, if applicable) are due to the Department by October 1, 2026. The cost report should be submitted both as an Excel file and as a PDF with signatures. All documents should be emailed to HFS.GEMT@illinois.gov.

Please note that the submission of a cost report does not guarantee a GEMT rate will be established.  Rates are determined based on a combination of factors including qualifying services and charges during the reporting period.

For questions regarding the GEMT program, email HFS.GEMT@Illinois.gov   

Laura Phelan, Administrator
Division of Medical Programs