Mass Transportation Solutions for Healthcare Access: Understanding the Medicaid Program

Accessing healthcare appointments should never be hindered by transportation barriers. Recognizing this critical need, the Medicaid Transportation program ensures that eligible members can reach their medical destinations without personal cost. This initiative arranges non-emergency transportation to essential appointments like primary care visits and dental check-ups, effectively acting as a vital mass transportation solution for healthcare access. For emergency medical situations, remember to call 911 directly. Please note, this program focuses on medical necessities and does not cover trips to non-medical locations such as pharmacies, gyms, schools, or grocery stores.

The program prioritizes both medical appropriateness and cost-effectiveness when arranging transportation. A range of options are utilized, including public transit, taxis, livery services, ambulettes, ambulances (ALS/BLS), and even reimbursement for personal vehicle mileage. Generally, the program aims to match the mode of transport to the individual’s typical daily travel methods.

Navigating Your Transportation with Medical Answering Services (MAS)

To streamline the process, the Department of Health partners with a dedicated transportation broker, Medical Answering Services (MAS). MAS plays a central role in the Medicaid Transportation network, managing crucial functions such as scheduling trips, operating contact centers, conducting utilization reviews, and handling other administrative tasks.

For more detailed information about the program and its services, you can visit the MAS website: https://www.medanswering.com.

Connecting with Your Transportation Broker: Contacting MAS

Medical Answering Services, LLC (MAS) is your point of contact for arranging Medicaid transportation.

Medical Answering Services, LLC: https://www.medanswering.com/

Depending on your location within the state, please use the appropriate contact number:

Downstate: 844-666-6270
- Serves the following counties: Bronx, Brooklyn (Kings), Manhattan (New York), Nassau, Putnam, Queens, Staten Island (Richmond), Suffolk, Westchester
Upstate: 866-932-7740
- Serves the following counties: 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, Yates

These contact centers are equipped to assist all members, offering toll-free access, translation services, and telecommunications relay services for those with hearing impairments.

Scheduling Your Medicaid Transportation

Scheduling your transportation is convenient and accessible. You can reach out to the contact center designated for your region by using the phone numbers provided above.

Alternatively, for online convenience, you can create an account and schedule your trips directly through the MAS website: https://www.medanswering.com.

To ensure timely arrangements, it is essential to contact the transportation manager at least 72 hours prior to your scheduled appointment. Please remember that all trips require prior authorization from the transportation manager.

Addressing Concerns: Filing a Complaint

Your feedback is important. If you experience dissatisfaction with the transportation services provided, you have several avenues to express your concerns. You can file a complaint directly with MAS by phone or through their website: https://www.medanswering.com.

Additionally, you can contact the Department of Health directly with your concerns at [email protected] or by phone at 518-473-2160.

For complaints specifically regarding Medical Answering Services, you can utilize the NYS DOH form available here: here.