Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) is an important benefit for people who need assistance getting to and from medical appointments.
Medicaid covers the cost of emergency medical transportation for eligible individuals. An emergency is when your medical needs are immediate. Examples include having a heart attack or being seriously injured in a car accident. In cases like these, you may be taken to the emergency room by ground (ambulance) or air (medical flight). You do not need pre-approval for emergency transportation. If you need a ride to a medical appointment, Medicaid does not consider this an emergency, but you may still be able to get a ride.
Medicaid covers rides for eligible individuals to and from the doctor’s office, the hospital, or another medical office for Medicaid-approved care. This coverage is called “non emergency medical transportation,” because it does not involve a medical emergency.
None-Emergency Transportation
Who Can Get a Ride?
Federal regulations say that Medicaid beneficiaries can get rides to and from providers when necessary.[1] States have different rules about when rides are necessary, so make sure you check with your State. Generally, when you enroll in Medicaid, you will receive instructions about when a ride is necessary and how and when you can schedule a ride. You may have to call a Medicaid caseworker, a ride service, or another agency.
That contact should:
- Help you decide if you have an immediate need for care;
- Make sure you are eligible for Medicaid;
- Verify that you have an appointment with a Medicaid provider;
- Let Medicaid Give You a Ride 2
- Make sure that you have no other reasonable way to make it to your appointment; and
- Decide what type of ride Medicaid can give you for your situation
Based on this information, your contact will either set up the ride you need or will tell you how to set up the ride yourself. A person or ride service approved by the State Medicaid program will take you to and from your appointment.
Generally, if you are enrolled in a Medicaid managed care plan, the customer service staff can give you facts about ride benefits.
How Do I Get a Ride?
Before your appointment or activity, request Medical Transportation from your insurance provider, doctor, or healthcare facility. Only they can create new reservations. We cannot create new reservations on your behalf.
Your insurance company may connect you to a third-party broker, such as MAS who will create and manage your transportation reservations. Please have your insurance information available, as well as all relevant information about your upcoming visit. Make sure to ask for Ritzy Transportation as your "Preferred Provider".
Setting up transportation through MAS
Setting up transportation through MAS is simple. The first step, if you’re new to Medicaid transportation in New York State, excluding Long Island, is to call your county or borough specific number, any of our customer service reps (CSRs) will be able to help you. The CSRs will also help you create an account on MAS’ online transportation management system, a great way to book rides and keep track of your travel! If you have an account on our site, log in and book your ride there, or call your county specific number, and any of our customer service reps (CSRs) will be able to help you. MAS takes pride in helping communities get the necessary medical care to be their healthiest.
How do I know if I’m eligible?
As an enrollee, you have rights to travel and transportation provided for by Medicaid to non-emergency medical services. Generally, the mode of transportation you use on a daily basis to go to the grocery store, places of worship, shopping, or any other usual activity will be matched by your Medicaid transportation mode of transportation. Your transportation will be set up by MAS to based on your daily mode of transportation, needs and abilities.
Can I be reimbursed?
Generally, Medicaid reimburses for personal vehicle mileage, public bus/mass transit, taxi, ambulatory, wheelchair, stretcher, non-emergency ambulance, commercial air, bus and rail transportation. MAS will reimburse travel expenses using the Federal Government guidelines for travel reimbursement.