Transportation Methods Available For Medicaid Recipients In New York
Medicaid is a state and federal program that helps people with limited income and resources cover medical costs .
Though Medicaid readily covers the cost of emergency medical transport for those who are eligible, non-emergency medical transport to medical appointments is a different story.
Non-emergency transportation to and from Medicaid-approved services may be covered, but only with prior approval from a Medicaid caseworker, a ride service, or some other agency.
In this article we will break down how you can get approved for Medicaid transportation in NY and contact information for companies that provide this service.
In New York State medical transportation for Medicaid enrollees who are traveling to receive Medicaid-covered services are managed by two different agencies: Medical Answering Services or MAS and LogistiCare.
MAS and LogistiCare are Medicaid transportation management companies that work closely with medical practitioners as well as transportation providers to make sure Medicaid recipients in New York state receive high-quality, professional transportation services. There are different modes of transportation that a Medicaid recipient might use to go to a medical appointment or to receive some other Medicaid-covered service. These modes of transportation include the following:
â Commercial air
How Medicaid Transportation Works
Medicaid members who need a ride to a doctors appointment, pharmacy, or other medical office can request transportation through Southeastrans. CICOA Way2Go Transportation can be listed as your preferred transportation provider.
Southeastrans can schedule rides to any non-emergency medical services that are covered by Medicaid. This includes trips to the dentist, doctor, dialysis and others. Medicaid will pay for 20 one-way trips per rolling 12-month period. More trips may be provided if your doctor requests them, and they are approved through Southeastrans.
After you call Southeastrans, they will check availability with transportation providers in your area. If CICOA Way2Go Transportation has availability, we will accept your trip and call to confirm at least 48 hours before your scheduled trip.
Well Help You Get There
As a member of Home State Health, we want to make sure you get the quality care you need.
If you need assistance with transportation to your healthcare appointmentswe can help!
We can arrange non-emergency medical transportation to the many medical and health services that Home State Health covers.
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What Is Medicaid Transportation
Medicaid Transportation is a program that offers free transportation for Medicaid patients. This transportation program takes Medicaid patients to medical appointments. This includes free rides to medical appointments in Houston whether its to see your PCP, dentist, or pharmacy.
Editors Note: The official name of this program is called Medical Transporation Program. These free transportation services in Houston, TX are managed by the Texas Health and Human Services Department.
What If I Cant Find A Transportation Company To Take Me To My Appointment
Occasionally, there may not be a transportation company available in your area that are enrolled in the program or that can take you to your appointment. In that case, we will be unable to assist you with your transportation request. If you have a friend or family member who can transport you to your medical appointments, they may be able to enroll as a private auto provider. They can contact the IMPACT Provider Enrollment Services at 782-5565 or .
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Simple Steps To Determine Your Eligibility
What If I Have a Vehicle in My Household and I Still Need Transportation?
If you or a family member owns a vehicle, but the vehicle is unavailable, you may still be eligible for a ride. The following reasons include:
- The vehicle is not registered with the DMV.
- There are no licensed drivers in the household per the DMV.
- The vehicle is not insured .
- No one in the household is able to drive due to medical concerns .
- The vehicle is being used for work purposes and appointments cannot be scheduled around working hours .
If you meet the criteria above, you must complete and sign the Medicaid Vehicle Exception Request form declaring the vehicles unavailable. The form will be reviewed by the Vermont Department of Health Access for either approval or denial. You will be notified of the decision by your local transportation provider.
What Is Gas Mileage Reimbursement
If you have a car and are able to drive yourself to your appointment, you may be eligible for gas mileage reimbursement . A friend or family member may also be eligible for reimbursement to take you to your appointment. Learn more about gas mileage reimbursement on our Gas Mileage Reimbursement page.
Payment for approved trips will be made within three weeks by check or electronic funds transfer directly to your bank account.
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Mas Can Be Contacted By Calling1
Persons with an active Medicaid case and a medical need and no means of transportation may get help with transportation to and from health care providers .
All non-emergency trips require prior approval and must be requested at least 3 days prior to the date of the trip. Medicaid recipients who provide their own transport should call for information on reimbursement.
The State has contracted with MAS statewide to provide approval and arrangement for Medicaid medical transportation.
MAS can be contacted by calling 1-855-360-3550.
An account will need to be create with MAS to get approval for transportation.
This can be done on the MAS website: www.medanswering.com.
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Ambulance For Medicaid Recipients
Ambulance services, both ground and air, are an approved mode of non-emergency transportation for certain Medicaid beneficiaries in New York.
The use of an ambulance for non-emergency transport has to be approved through prior authorization by an official who designates whether the ambulance is medically necessary or not. This official will consider whether or not other non-specialized modes of transportation such as a taxi, livery, ambulette, private car, or other forms of public transportation would be more appropriate and perhaps cost effective.
To use an ambulance for non-emergency transportation, the Medicaid recipientâs doctor, physicianâs assistant, or nurse practitioner must order the service on the recipientâs behalf. As a general rule, non-emergency transportation by ambulance is only approved if the Medicaid enrollee is in need of services en route that can only be administered by ambulance.
To procure the use of ambulance for a Medicaid recipient for non-emergency transport, the medical practitioner must reference the patientâs medical records and note the condition that warrants the use of an ambulance. Medical practitioners, programs, or facilities that donât abide by the rules set forth by the state may be sanctioned by the New York State Department of Health.
MTM Transport Services â
â Provides private cars, ambulance, metro and public transit service help, and public bus help and services
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Ada Reasonable Modification Policy
In accordance with FTA 49 CFR, Parts 27 and 37, RCT, is committed to ensuring a reliable, accessible experience for all customers. All requests for reasonable modifications to RCT programs and services will be considered on an individual basis. Please note that RCT may be unable to accommodate requests for reasonable modifications which would result in a fundamental alteration to the nature of RCT programs and services, or which would directly interfere with the health and safety of others. In the event that a barrier to access exists, but the requested modification cannot be granted, RCT will, to the maximum extent possible, assist in determining an alternate reasonable modification to provide equivalent access to its programs and services.
How Do I Know If My Trip Is Covered
We cover transportation to and from non-emergency medical appointments for our members. This includes transportation to other Medicaid-covered services not covered by Louisiana Healthcare Connections, such as childrens dental care.
For members who reside in a health care facility , transportation to appointments is covered by your facility. Talk with the staff there if you need a ride to an appointment.
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How Long Does It Take To Get Medicaid In Florida
If you meet the income requirements, you may be able to find out immediately if you qualify for benefits.
However, it usually takes 30-60 days for the application process to be completed.
Once you are approved, it takes approximately 2-3 weeks to get a Medicaid card.
If you need proof of your Medicaid eligibility right away, you can print a temporary card from your MyACCESS Account.
Can I Schedule Rides That I Need On A Regular Schedule Like For Dialysis
Yes, Veyo can schedule recurring trips, so you dont have to schedule rides one at a time. Veyo defines a recurring trip as a ride to and from the same location, at the same time, 1 or more times per week. Recurring trips can be scheduled up to 3 months at a time . To schedule a recurring trip, please call 866-907-1493 at least 2 days before the first scheduled appointment.
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Rides To Medical Appointments Will Continue
We are continuing to provide rides to medical appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Please schedule rides with Veyo as usual. If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and you have a fever or other symptoms, please call your doctor to make sure you can be seen before you call Veyo to schedule a ride. When you call Veyo to schedule a ride, be sure to tell them if you have been exposed to COVID-19 or are feeling ill.
In most cases, rides are being limited to one member and one driver during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Same-day rides to COVID-19 vaccine appointments
Do you need a ride to a confirmed appointment to get the COVID-19 vaccine? You can schedule a ride with Veyo as soon as you confirm you have an appointment, even if it is the same day. Call Veyo at 866-907-1493 . Please have the following information ready:
- Your ForwardHealth ID
- The address of where you will get your vaccine
Please note: If you have a medical emergency, call 911 right away.
You may be able to get a ride to your medical appointment if you have no other way to get there. Depending on your situation, you can get:
- A ride.
- Bus tickets.
- Money for gas.
Wisconsin’s non-emergency medical transportation manager, Veyo, is required by federal law to use the least costly type of ride to get you to your appointment based on your needs. This could include bus tickets or gas for your car.
You can get free rides if you are enrolled in one of the following programs:
How Long Will It Take For My Trip To Be Authorized
While most trips can be approved or denied at the time of the phone call, some requests need a longer processing time, such as:
- Appointments to Behavioral Health Services : 5 business days.
- Physical Therapy , Occupational Therapy , Speech Therapy , and Aqua therapy : 5 business days.
- Long Distance Trips: 7 business days.
If you call to request authorization for your trip less than a week in advance, we may not be able to approve your trip.
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Well Help You Get A Ride
We will help you get to your doctor visits and the pharmacy. Its easy and free to plan and get a ride:
- You can get a ride to your doctor, the pharmacy, or a healthcare visit.
- You can get as many rides as you need.
- You can plan a one-time ride, or you also can plan rides for regular doctor visits or other appointments.
- Your ride type may be in the form of an independent or volunteer driver picking you up, a ticket for public transit, a taxi, or mileage reimbursement for a friend or family member.
- Your ride type will be based on your needs.
Unitedhealthcare Dual Complete Plans
Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a contract with the State Medicaid Program. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plans contract renewal with Medicare. This plan is available to anyone who has both Medical Assistance from the State and Medicare. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Call TTY 711 for more information. Limitations, co-payments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premiums and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year.
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Get Important News & Updates
Sign up for email and/or text notices of Medicaid and other FSSA news, reminders, and other important information. When registering your email, check the category on the drop-down list to receive notices of Medicaid updates check other areas of interest on the drop-down list to receive notices for other types of FSSA updates.
Southeastrans Trip Reservation Line 855
As of June 1, 2018, FSSA began working with a company called Southeastrans to manage all non-emergency transportation for Traditional Medicaid members This includes any member who is NOT in a managed care program such as Hoosier Healthwise, Hoosier Care Connect or the Healthy Indiana Plan. Southeastrans is working to make it easier for these members to find rides to the doctors office, pharmacy or other medical office.
To request a ride, members should first call Southeastrans at 855-325-7586 at least two business days in advance. If your ride is approved, Southeastrans will call you to confirm your ride at least 24 hours before you will be picked up. Rides should only be requested if the member has no other transportation option available.
You can also schedule your rides online using the Southeastrans member portal described below. Please call during regular business hours, Monday Friday, 8 a.m. 6 p.m. EDT. Below are answers to some of the questions you might have.
What does this change mean for me?
Southeastrans provides transportation case management for your Medicaid-covered rides to doctors offices, pharmacies or other health care offices. There is a new number to call to request rides. The Southeastrans Reservation Line, 855-325-7586, is available Monday Friday from 8 a.m. 6 p.m., EDT.
How far in advance do I need to call?
What if I have an emergency?
Emergency transportation needs are not scheduled through Southeastrans call 911.
You will need:
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How To Schedule Medicaid Transportation
Because Medicaid pre-authorizes beneficiaries and transport companies as part of the initial enrollment process, the program doesnt impose many restrictions on how you book your trips, provided the company you pick is an authorized provider. Perhaps the simplest way to schedule a ride is to just call the company directly. Many small companies offer assisted taxi and disabled ride services, with several more offering ambulance services in every major city. Virtually all of these take orders over the phone from potential riders.
If you book the ride yourself, try to call as far in advance of your appointment as you can, and mention physical or other disabilities you have that could require special accommodations. Most disabled ride companies can meet you with a wheelchair, gurney, oxygen or personal attendant if you need them. Alternatively, if you live in an assisted living community, your concierge or discharge planner probably has a number of companies the facility works with that are known to be reliable and comfortable for their residents.
Some state programs offer assistance with booking Medicaid transportation. If you participate in a local senior group, medical needs-based community or support group, church group or other association, ask whether one of the volunteers or staff can arrange rides for you that fall within the Medicaid transportation boundaries.
Pps Survey: Weve Heard Your Concerns
Top 3 Concerns from the PPS:
- Transportation that shows up late to pick up or drop off patients
- Unable to schedule pickups for support groups, care management, pharmacy, etc.
- The need to schedule transport 3 days in advance of appointment
Top Questions from the PPS:
- What process improvements will be implemented?
- Will there be changes in funding for transportation services?
- Can transport services be offered for same day appointments?
- Will PPS be able to work directly with these companies to ensure services are accessible and target the areas of greatest need?
- How does the FFS Medicaid transportation fit into the DSRIP way of thinking ?
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Can A Minor Travel On Their Own To Their Appointment
Minors, for transportation purposes, include anyone under the age of 18. All transportation requests must be made by an adult. The following minors may travel by themselves to an appointment:
- Minors age 16 17 years old, when traveling by bus or a vehicle.
- Minors age 12 15 years old, with a signed consent form on file with Veyo when traveling by a vehicle only.
- Minors age 4 11 years old, with a signed consent form on file with Veyo when traveling by a vehicle only with at least one other child to the same day treatment program or center-based applied behavior analysis program.
These forms can be found on our Member Resources page.
How Do I Get A Ride
First, set up an appointment with your doctor or provider.
To request a ride, call at least two workdays before your appointment, or five days before the appointment if it is outside your county. Phones are answered Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. local time.
You may be able to be approved for same day rides when:
- Your doctor or dentist must see you on the same day.
- You are released from a hospital, clinic, or other health care facility.
- You need a ride to a drugstore.
If you or your child have a Medicaid health plan:
If you or your child do not have a health plan:
- Call 877-633-8747 .
Children 14 and younger may not travel without a parent or guardian. Children 15 through 17 may travel without a parent, but the parent must provide written permission before the trip is scheduled.
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