In an effort to support individuals on Medicaid with maintaining their healthcare, the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) was created. The program ensures that those on Medicaid and are eligible can get free rides to and from their medical appointments. This article will cover who is eligible to access the program, how to get a ride and tips for managing your trips.

The Medicaid Transportation Program in New York (H1)

The Medicaid Transportation Program is a benefit that covers transportation to Medicaid-approved medical appointments for those who qualify. To access this program in New York City, enrollees use Medical Answering Services (MAS). They are responsible for assigning and coordinating medical transport services for Medicaid recipients in NYC.

MAS arranges non-emergency transportation based on each enrollee’s mobility, medical needs, and New York State Department of Health requirements. The Medicaid program requires enrollees to travel to healthcare appointments via the most medically appropriate and cost-effective level of transportation. Generally, if an enrollee drives or uses public transit in day-to-day life, they will be expected to travel to their medical appointments in the same way. Here are examples of the types of transportation methods offered:

• Public transit passes if public transportation is accessible and suitable
• Taxi or rideshare services when available
• Ambulette (wheelchair-accessible) or Ambulance for individuals requiring specialized assistance or transport
• Mileage reimbursement for friends, family members, or volunteers who drive the Medicaid recipient to their appointment
• Train/Bus for long distance medical trips to region care centers or specialty care

Enrolling For the Medicaid Transportation Program

NEMT is generally available to Medicaid recipients who do not have other reliable means of transportation to get to their medical appointments. Eligibility requirements can vary by state, but in New York, most Medicaid enrollees have a transportation benefit as a part of their overall medical insurance plan. Once you’ve determined that MAS can authorize and arrange transportation, you can easily create an online account. Using this online account, MAS enrollees can create, change, and cancel trips at any time of the day or day of the week. Here is the information you’ll need to create an account:

• First Name | Last Name
• Email Address
• Cell Phone
• CIN or Medicaid Number
• Last 4 of Social Security Number
• Birth Date

To find out if your Medicaid insurance plan covers transportation services as a part of your benefit, please contact MAS.

Scheduling Transportation

Medicaid in New York has made the process of using the NEMT straightforward and convenient. Follow these steps to schedule your free transportation services:

1. Register by creating a MAS account 
2. Login or call MAS at the contact center
3. Provide your appointment details, including location, date, time, and purpose of your visit.
4. MAS will arrange suitable transportation, such as a taxi or bus, based on your needs.

Depending on the purpose of the appointment and type of transportation required, MAS suggests these scheduling guidelines:

• Urgent/Sick Visit Care: Transportation can be booked the same day.
• Routine Appointments: Book at least three days in advance.
• Public Transit: For those capable of using public transit, book at least five days in advance so MAS can mail transit fare before the date of service.
• Long-Distance Travel: Book at least seven days in advance.
• Canceling or Rescheduling: MAS requests they be informed as soon as possible.

The Medicaid Transportation Program is available throughout the state of New York with MAS providing coverage in Brooklyn, Nassau, Queens, Suffolk County, and more. However, you may need to schedule services in advance if you reside in a rural or underserved area. In general, the further the medical appointment is, the more notice required.