MassHealth, Massachusetts’ Medicaid program, provides crucial support for its members, including access to Masshealth Transportation services. This program ensures that individuals enrolled in MassHealth can receive rides to and from medically necessary, non-emergency health care appointments. If you are a MassHealth member and struggle to find transportation to your medical services, this benefit may be available to you.
Who is Eligible for MassHealth Transportation?
Eligibility for masshealth transportation is primarily determined by your enrollment in MassHealth and your lack of access to other means of transportation, whether public or private. This service is designed to bridge the transportation gap for individuals needing to attend essential health appointments.
Covered services for transportation include a range of health-related visits, such as:
- Doctor’s appointments for routine check-ups and specialized care.
- Counseling sessions for mental health and substance use disorders.
- Day habilitation programs offering support and skill-building activities.
To confirm your eligibility for masshealth transportation benefits, it is recommended to directly contact the MassHealth Customer Service Center (CSC). You can reach them at 1-800-841-2900 (voice) or 1-800-497-4648 (TTY) for individuals with hearing impairments.
Applying for MassHealth Transportation Services
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, the application process for masshealth transportation involves a Prescription for Transportation (PT-1) form. Here’s how to proceed:
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Contact MassHealth Customer Service: Call the MassHealth Customer Service Center at 800-841-2900 or 800-497-4648 (TTY) to request a PT-1 form. They can fax the form directly to your MassHealth medical provider. Alternatively, your provider can also initiate this request.
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Prescription for Transportation (PT-1) Form Completion: Your MassHealth medical provider is required to complete and sign the PT-1 form on your behalf. This form can be submitted online, faxed, or mailed to the CSC.
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Processing Time: Allow up to three business days for the CSC to process your PT-1 form after receipt. If transportation is needed more urgently, your medical provider can contact the CSC at 1-800-841-2900 (TTY: 1-800-497-4648) to request a verbal authorization for immediate transportation services.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the MassHealth Transportation Guide (pdf), a comprehensive resource for both providers and members. You may also need the MassHealth Prescription for Transportation Form – PT1 (pdf) and the MassHealth Transportation Medical Necessity Form, which your provider will need to complete.
Understanding PT-1 Approval and Scheduling Your Ride
After submitting your PT-1 form, MassHealth will notify you by mail regarding the approval or denial of your transportation request.
Approval Notification
If your PT-1 form is approved, the notification letter will include instructions on how to arrange your masshealth transportation services. Crucially, MassHealth will assign you a transportation broker who will be your primary point of contact for scheduling all future rides.
Scheduling Transportation Post-Approval
Once approved for masshealth transportation, only your assigned broker can schedule rides for you. After your initial setup, your broker will send a welcome letter containing essential contact information and further details about the service.
When you need to schedule a ride, contact your transportation broker directly. It is highly recommended to schedule your trips at least three days in advance to ensure timely arrangements. For any service-related comments or complaints, please direct them to your assigned transportation broker.
MassHealth also offers online and mobile app scheduling options through providers like MART (Schedule ride through MART) and GATRA (Schedule ride through GATRA), offering convenient ways to manage your masshealth transportation.
For additional resources and to learn more about getting rides to medical appointments, you can visit Get a Ride to MassHealth Medical Appointments and Transportation for MassHealth Members. These resources provide further details on accessing masshealth transportation and related services.
Fact Sheet Last Updated: 5/16/2024
Disclaimer: This information is provided by INDEX for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Always consult official resources and professionals for specific guidance.
