Accessing healthcare is crucial, and transportation should never be a barrier. For Indiana residents relying on Traditional Medicaid, understanding your transportation benefits is key to getting to medical appointments, pharmacies, and other essential healthcare services. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Medicaid transportation services in Indiana, ensuring you can easily access the rides you need.
Since June 1, 2018, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) has partnered with Verida to streamline non-emergency transportation for Traditional Medicaid members, also known as “fee-for-service” Medicaid. This service is specifically for individuals not enrolled in managed care programs like Hoosier Healthwise, Hoosier Care Connect, or the Healthy Indiana Plan. Verida’s mission is to simplify the process for these members to secure rides to vital healthcare locations, including doctor’s offices, pharmacies, and other medical facilities.
How to Book Your Medicaid Ride with Verida in Indiana
Scheduling your transportation with Verida is a straightforward process. Here’s what you need to do to arrange your ride:
1. Call the Verida Reservation Line: Dial 855-325-7586 to request your ride. It’s important to call at least two business days before your scheduled appointment to allow sufficient time for arrangement.
2. Provide Necessary Information: When you call, be ready to provide the following details to the Verida representative:
- Your Medicaid Member ID, full name, and date of birth.
- A reachable telephone number.
- Complete pick-up address, including the zip code.
- Name and full address (including zip code) of your doctor’s office or medical facility.
- Phone number of the doctor or facility.
- Date and exact time of your appointment.
- Any specific transportation needs you might have, such as wheelchair accessibility, walker assistance, or vision impairment considerations.
- Name and phone number of an emergency contact.
3. Ride Confirmation: Once your ride request is processed and approved, Verida will contact you to confirm your transportation details. This confirmation call will be made at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled pick-up time, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to prepare for your appointment.
Important Note: Medicaid transportation services are intended for individuals who lack alternative transportation options. Please utilize this service when no other means of transportation are available to you.
Key Questions and Answers About Medicaid Transportation in Indiana through Verida
To further clarify how Medicaid transportation services work in Indiana with Verida, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
What Changes with Verida Managing Transportation?
Verida acts as the transportation case manager for Medicaid-covered rides to healthcare appointments. The primary change is the designated phone number you need to call to request rides: 855-325-7586. This Verida Reservation Line operates Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT.
How Much Advance Notice is Needed When Scheduling a Ride?
To ensure Verida can effectively schedule your ride, it’s essential to call at least two business days before your appointment. This advance notice allows them to arrange transportation and confirm the details with you at least 24 hours before your scheduled pick-up.
What if I Have a Medical Emergency?
Verida is for non-emergency transportation services only. In case of a medical emergency requiring immediate attention, always call 911. Emergency transportation is handled through emergency services, not Verida.
My Ride is Late or Hasn’t Arrived – What Should I Do?
If your ride is delayed or hasn’t arrived as scheduled, call the Verida Trip Reservation Line immediately at 855-325-7586 and press 2 for “Where’s my Ride?”. A customer service representative will be able to track your ride, provide an updated arrival time, or arrange for a different transportation provider if necessary.
Can I Schedule My Medicaid Transportation Online?
Yes, Verida offers a convenient online Member Portal for scheduling and managing your rides. Visit www.facility.verida.com to register. Through the portal, you can easily schedule new trips, view upcoming rides, cancel existing rides if needed, and even connect with a Verida representative for assistance. This online tool offers greater flexibility and control over your transportation arrangements.
What Types of Appointments Qualify for Medicaid Transportation?
Verida can arrange rides to any non-emergency medical service covered by Indiana Medicaid. This includes, but is not limited to, appointments with your primary care physician, specialist visits, dental appointments, dialysis treatments, therapy sessions, and trips to other healthcare providers. Medicaid covers up to 20 one-way trips within a rolling 12-month period. If you require more trips, your doctor can request additional trips which are subject to approval by Verida. For any questions about eligible appointments or trip limits, call the Trip Reservation Line at 855-325-7586.
What Information Do I Need When I Call to Book?
To streamline the booking process, have the following information ready when you call Verida:
- Medicaid Member ID
- Full Name
- Date of Birth
- Phone Number
- Pick-up Address (including zip code)
- Doctor or Facility Name
- Doctor or Facility Address (including zip code)
- Doctor or Facility Phone Number
- Appointment Date and Time
- Details of any special needs (wheelchair, walker, etc.)
- Emergency Contact Name and Phone Number
When Should I Be Ready for My Ride?
When you schedule your ride, Verida will provide an estimated pick-up window based on the distance to your appointment. Be ready for your pick-up at the given time. If your ride is running late, contact Verida at 855-325-7586 and select option 2 to inquire about its status.
How Do I Arrange My Return Ride After My Appointment?
Once your appointment is finished and you are ready to return home, call Verida to notify them. They will then coordinate with your transportation provider to arrange your ride back home.
What if I Need Transportation Urgently?
For urgent medical appointments that couldn’t be scheduled with two days’ notice, Verida can assist in arranging transportation with less advance notice. However, urgent trip requests require verification from your doctor. Contact Verida if you need to schedule an urgent trip. Alternatively, you can directly contact another transportation provider if you prefer.
Are Trips to the Pharmacy Covered?
Yes, transportation to pharmacies is also covered by Medicaid and can be arranged through Verida. You can schedule a dedicated trip to the pharmacy or, if you need to stop at a pharmacy on your way home from a medical appointment, inform your driver or Verida to add a pharmacy stop. A pharmacy stop on the way home from an appointment will not be counted as a separate trip, maximizing your allowed trips.
For more detailed information, you can visit the Verida website at http://www.verida.com/.
Reimbursement for Family or Friends Providing Transportation
Do you have a family member or friend who regularly drives you to your medical appointments? Indiana Medicaid offers a program where your family member or friend can enroll to receive reimbursement for gas mileage! This can be a great option if you frequently need transportation and have a consistent caregiver available. To learn more about this program and how to enroll, visit the Family Member or Associate Transportation webpage.
Conclusion: Accessing Medicaid Transportation in Indiana with Ease
Navigating healthcare transportation as a Medicaid member in Indiana is now simpler with Verida. By understanding the process and utilizing the resources available, you can ensure reliable transportation to all your necessary medical appointments. Remember to call Verida at 855-325-7586 or use their online portal to schedule your rides and prioritize your health and well-being.
