All Medicaid Programs |
Obsolete Policy |
Non-emergency medical transportation is a covered benefit only for Traditional Medicaid recipients who need transportation to and from Medicaid providers to receive Medicaid covered services. Transportation to non-Medicaid providers, or to receive non-Medicaid covered services is not covered. [Emergency medical transportation for medical emergencies is covered benefit for Traditional, Non-Traditional and PCN recipients.]
Recipients are encouraged to see Medicaid providers within their local area.
When the recipient must go outside of their local area to receive care, medical transportation will be covered to the nearest qualified Medicaid provider. For example, a person in Moab cannot be reimbursed for the transportation costs to go to Salt Lake City for medical care when that same care could be provided in Provo.
If the recipient chooses to receive services from a Medicaid provider that is not the nearest provider, reimbursement of mileage will be paid only for the distance to the nearest qualified Medicaid provider.
Transportation for urgent care needs, defined as care needed within 24 hours but that does not require ambulance transportation, is a covered benefit for Traditional Medicaid recipients. If the client does not have access to personal transportation and cannot wait for a bus pass to arrive, LogistiCare services may be able to provide transportation. See 651-2 #3 for information about LogistiCare .
Special transportation services are available for Traditional Medicaid recipients who need curb-to-curb or door-to-door services. See Section 651-2 #2 or #3.
Nursing homes are required to provide non-emergency medical transportation for their residents. Nursing home residents cannot receive bus passes and any other non-emergency medical transportation not provided by the nursing home requires prior authorization.
Bus passes, excluding Flex Tran, can be issued to Traditional Medicaid Recipients for transportation to medical and mental health appointments. Prepaid Mental Health Providers must provide transportation to and from covered mental health services if public transportation is not an option, excluding Flextran. Traditional Medicaid Recipients needing transportation to other medical services should receive transportation according to the modes listed in Section 651-2.