The Medicaid Transportation program is designed to guarantee that all Medicaid members have access to necessary medical appointments, regardless of their transportation means. This crucial service offers non-emergency transportation to and from healthcare facilities, ensuring pre-scheduled visits to primary care physicians, dentists, and other medical specialists are easily accessible at no direct cost to the member. It’s important to note that for emergency medical situations, individuals should always contact 911 directly. This program is specifically for medical appointments and does not cover transportation to non-medical destinations such as pharmacies for prescription pick-ups, gyms, schools, or grocery stores.
Transportation arrangements are meticulously planned to be both medically suitable and cost-effective. The program utilizes a range of transportation options including public transit, taxi or livery services, ambulette, and in some cases, ambulance services (both ALS and BLS). Personal vehicle mileage reimbursement is also available, ensuring a comprehensive approach to meet diverse needs. Generally, the program aims to match the transportation mode with what the member typically uses in their daily life, promoting familiarity and ease of use.
To effectively manage this extensive program, the Department of Health contracts with a dedicated transportation broker, Medical Answering Services (MAS). MAS is responsible for the logistical backbone of the service, including scheduling transportation, operating contact centers to assist members, conducting utilization reviews to maintain efficiency, and handling other essential administrative tasks.
For more detailed information about the program and the services offered, Medicaid members and healthcare providers are encouraged to visit the MAS website at https://www.medanswering.com.
Connecting You to Care: Medical Answering Services (MAS)
Medical Answering Services, LLC, acts as the vital transportation broker for the Medicaid program. They ensure seamless access to medical appointments across New York State through two regional contact centers:
Downstate Region: 844-666-6270
This service area encompasses a large number of counties, including Bronx, Brooklyn (Kings), Manhattan (New York), Nassau, Putnam, Queens, Staten Island (Richmond), Suffolk, and Westchester.
Upstate Region: 866-932-7740
The Upstate region covers an extensive geographical area, serving counties such as Albany, Allegany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Chenango, Clinton, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Dutchess, Erie, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Genesee, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Montgomery, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Orange, Orleans, Oswego, Otsego, Rensselaer, Rockland, St. Lawrence, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Sullivan, Tioga, Tompkins, Ulster, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates.
These contact centers are equipped to handle a variety of needs to ensure accessibility for all members. They provide toll-free phone access, comprehensive translation services to assist non-English speakers, and telecommunications relay services to support individuals with hearing impairments. This commitment to accessibility underscores the program’s dedication to serving every Medicaid member effectively.
Arranging Your Ride: How to Schedule Medical Transportation
Scheduling transportation through the Medicaid program is designed to be user-friendly and efficient. Members have two primary options for arranging their rides:
By Phone: The most direct method is to call the dedicated contact center for your specific region, using the numbers provided above. Contacting the center allows for immediate assistance from trained operators who can guide you through the scheduling process and answer any questions you may have.
Online via the MAS Website: For added convenience, members can also schedule transportation online. By creating an account on the MAS website (https://www.medanswering.com), you gain access to a platform where you can manage your transportation needs, schedule trips, and track your bookings.
To ensure timely arrangements, it is crucial to contact the transportation manager at least 72 hours—or three days—before your scheduled medical appointment. This advance notice allows MAS sufficient time to process your request and coordinate the most appropriate transportation. It is important to remember that all trips require prior authorization from the transportation manager to ensure they align with program guidelines and medical necessity.
Addressing Concerns: Complaints and Feedback
The Medicaid Transportation program is committed to providing high-quality service. However, should you encounter any issues or dissatisfaction with the transportation services provided, there are clear channels for addressing your concerns.
Directly with MAS: You can file a complaint directly with Medical Answering Services. This can be done by phone through their contact centers or via their website at https://www.medanswering.com, where you may find online forms or contact details for complaints.
Through the Department of Health: Alternatively, you can reach out to the Department of Health directly to register your complaint or provide feedback. You can contact them via email at [email protected] or by phone at 518-473-2160.
Formal Complaint Form: For complaints specifically about Medical Answering Services, the NYS Department of Health provides a dedicated form which can be accessed and filled out here. This form ensures your feedback is formally recorded and addressed by the relevant department.
Further Exploration: Additional Resources
For those seeking more in-depth information or specific resources related to the Medicaid Transportation program, the following links provide access to official documents and updates:
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For Enrolled Transportation Providers: Access the Fee Schedule and Transportation Provider Manuals for detailed guidelines and payment information.
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For Transportation Companies Seeking Enrollment: Information on becoming a Medicaid transportation provider can be found at Provider Enrollment.
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Program Updates and Changes: Stay informed about any modifications to the program by checking Transportation Medicaid Updates.
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Medicaid Transportation Regulations: Review the official regulations governing the program in Title: Section 505.10 – Transportation for Medical Care and Services.
Contact Information: Questions, Comments, Concerns
For any further inquiries, comments, or concerns regarding the Medicaid Transportation program, please feel free to contact the Department of Health’s Bureau of Health Access, Policy, and Innovation directly:
(518) 473-2160
This comprehensive program ensures that mass medical transport is available and accessible, removing transportation barriers to healthcare for Medicaid members across New York State.
