When you need to get to the doctor, a therapy appointment, or a facility for a test, it might be tough to find reliable transportation. If you have Medicaid coverage, you may be able to get your ride covered. Here is what you need to know about transportation to the doctor and Medicaid.
Emergency Medical Transportation Coverage
The cost of emergency medical transportation for eligible individuals is covered by Medicaid. This refers to when your medical needs are immediate, such as being involved in a vehicle accident or having a heart attack. You might be transported to the hospital via ambulance or air flight and won’t need pre-approval for these services.
Medicaid Transportation Coverage for Non-Emergency Appointments
If you need transportation to a non-emergency appointment, you might still have coverage under Medicaid. According to federal regulations, Medicaid beneficiaries can receive rides to and from medical appointments “when necessary.” But, you will need to get pre-approval for these services.
States create different rules about what constitutes a “necessary ride.” In general, you will receive instructions from Medicaid when you enroll that outline what is permitted. For example, you may be able to get a ride to and from a medical appointment if:
- You do not have a driver’s license;
- You do not have a vehicle that works; or
- You have a mental or physical disability that prohibits you from driving.
If you are unsure about your coverage for non-medical transportation, you can contact a Medicaid caseworker or ride service company to discuss your options. Your contact will first verify that you have Medicaid coverage, have an appointment with a Medicaid provider, and then determine whether you are eligible for transportation coverage.
How to Get a Ride Through Medicaid
Depending on your state’s rules and your needs, you may be able to get coverage for non-medical transportation through various services. These include a medical van or car, taxi, ridesharing service, or public bus.
You should always set your ride up in advance and cancel the service if your appointment changes or is canceled. If you fail to do this or break any of the agency’s rules, Medicaid may not cover these services for you in the future.
And remember, there is only coverage to and from medical appointments. You will be charged if the driver takes you anyplace else. Finally, Medicaid can also restrict your access to services, such as requiring you to use a certain provider to get coverage for non-emergency medical transportation.
MedTrust is one of the top providers of non-emergency medical transportation services in the Southeast. We operate 24/7 throughout South Carolina and parts of North Florida to improve patient outcomes through our high-quality services. Contact us today to learn more about MedTrust’s service or to find out how you can join our team of highly-qualified professionals.