Accessing reliable transportation is crucial, especially when it comes to healthcare. In Louisiana, a range of medical transportation services are available to ensure everyone can reach their medical appointments. This guide will walk you through the different options for medical Transportation In La, focusing on Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT), Non-Emergency Ambulance Transportation (NEAT), and Emergency Medical Services (EMS), ensuring you understand your eligibility and how to access these vital services.
Understanding Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) in Louisiana
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) is designed for Medicaid beneficiaries in Louisiana who need transportation to medical appointments but do not require an ambulance or emergency services. This service ensures that individuals with no other means of transportation can still access necessary healthcare.
Who is Eligible for NEMT in LA?
You are likely eligible for Medicaid-covered NEMT services in Louisiana if:
- You are enrolled in a Louisiana Medicaid benefit program that explicitly includes transportation services.
- You confirm that you have no other way to get to your medical appointments.
Accessing NEMT Services in Louisiana
The way you access NEMT services depends on whether you are enrolled in a Medicaid health plan or through Fee-For-Service (FFS) Medicaid:
For those enrolled in a Medicaid Health Plan:
- Contact your specific health plan’s call center to schedule transportation.
- It is essential to call at least 48 hours before your appointment to arrange services.
- Each health plan uses different transportation brokers, so make sure to contact the correct one.
For those NOT enrolled in a Medicaid Health Plan (FFS Medicaid):
- Reach out to Verida, the Fee-For-Service (FFS) transportation broker, at (855) 325-7626 to schedule your ride.
- Similar to health plans, requests should be made at least 48 hours in advance.
NEMT Brokers and Contact Information for Medicaid Health Plans in LA
Here’s a handy list of Medicaid health plans in Louisiana and their NEMT brokers, along with contact numbers for scheduling:
| Health Plan | Broker | Contact Number | TTY Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aetna Better Health of Louisiana | MediTrans | 1(877) 917-4150 | 1(866) 288-3133 |
| AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana | Verida | 1(888) 913-0364 | 1(866)428-7588 |
| Healthy Blue | MediTrans | 1(866) 430-1101 | 1(800) 846-5277 |
| Humana Healthy Horizons | MediTrans | 1 (844) 613-1638 | 1(800) 618-4781 |
| Louisiana Healthcare Connections | MTM | 1(855) 369-3723 | 711 |
| United Healthcare Community Plan | ModivCare | 1(866) 726-1472 | 1(844) 488-9724 |
What NEMT Services Cover in LA
NEMT services in Louisiana typically include:
- Transportation to and from Medicaid-covered medical services.
- Services are provided by the Local Transit Authority (local buses) or NEMT providers contracted with your health plan’s broker.
- Depending on your health plan, transportation to additional services might be approved.
- For children and adults enrolled in Legacy Medicaid for physical health services, transportation services are included in their health plan.
Important Considerations for Attendants, Meals, and Lodging
Attendants:
- An attendant is required for beneficiaries under 17 years of age.
- The attendant must be a parent, legal guardian, or a responsible adult designated by them, and capable of authorizing medical treatment.
- Attendants cannot be under 17, a Medicaid provider involved in the beneficiary’s care (with exceptions for mental health facility employees under specific circumstances), or a transportation provider/employee.
- For children needing car seats, it is the parent or guardian’s responsibility to provide them, as per Louisiana law (La. R.S. 32:295).
- Exception: Attendants are not required for females of any age seeking prenatal or postpartum care.
Meals and Lodging:
- Medicaid may cover meals and lodging for both the beneficiary and one attendant if long-distance travel is necessary (total travel time exceeds 12 hours, including appointment duration).
- This coverage applies when these expenses are not covered by inpatient per diem, primary insurance, or other payers.
Handling Transportation Issues and Prior Approvals
If your scheduled NEMT doesn’t arrive or is canceled:
- Immediately contact your MCO/transportation broker. This allows them to reassign your transport to another available NEMT provider.
Prior Approval:
- Generally, prior approval is not needed for standard NEMT services (ambulatory or wheelchair level) unless you are traveling out-of-state.
- Out-of-state transportation requires MCO approval, and it’s typically granted only if the out-of-state facility is the nearest suitable option. This process may take longer than 48 hours to coordinate.
Understanding Non-Emergency Ambulance Transportation (NEAT) in Louisiana
Non-Emergency Ambulance Transportation (NEAT) is for Medicaid beneficiaries who need ambulance services for medical appointments but are not in an emergency situation. NEAT is necessary when other forms of transportation are contraindicated due to the beneficiary’s medical condition.
Eligibility and Accessing NEAT Services
Eligibility for NEAT mirrors NEMT, requiring Medicaid enrollment and no other means of transportation. Accessing NEAT also follows a similar process:
Through a Health Plan:
- Contact your health plan’s call center at least 48 hours prior to your appointment.
FFS Medicaid:
- Contact Verida at (225) 726-2800 for non-emergency ambulance services, again, at least 48 hours in advance.
NEAT Brokers and Contact Information for Health Plans
Below are the contact details for NEAT services through various Louisiana Medicaid health plans:
| Health Plan | Contact Number | Fax Number | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aetna Better Health of Louisiana | (877) 917-4150 | [email protected] | (337) 366-6760 |
| AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana | (225) 726-2800 | [email protected] | (225) 448-2017 |
| Healthy Blue | (844) 349-4324 | [email protected] | (337) 366-6760 |
| Humana Healthy Horizons | (844) 613-1638 | [email protected] | (337) 366-6760 |
| Louisiana Healthcare Connections | (866) 595-8133 | [email protected] | (480) 757-6082 |
| United Healthcare Community Plan | (866) 886-4081 | [email protected] | (877) 457-3349 |
Ground Ambulance Covered Services and Certification
NEAT services cover transportation to and from Medicaid-covered services when ambulance use is medically necessary due to the beneficiary’s condition.
Certification of Ambulance Transportation (CAT):
- Crucially, all NEAT trips require a completed and valid Certification of Ambulance Transportation (CAT) form.
- This form must be certified by the beneficiary’s physician, registered nurse, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or clinical nurse specialist.
- The CAT form must detail the medical necessity for ambulance transport and the patient’s condition.
- The CAT form must be completed before scheduling NEAT services.
Attendant and Child Restraint Policies for NEAT are the same as for NEMT.
Prior Approval and Handling Issues for NEAT
Prior Approval:
- Prior approval is mandatory for all NEAT services, including out-of-state requests.
If your scheduled NEAT ambulance doesn’t arrive or is canceled:
- Contact your MCO/transportation broker immediately to allow for reassignment.
48-Hour Notice: Similar to NEMT, NEAT arrangements should be made at least 48 hours in advance, excluding non-business days, unless it’s an urgent request or discharge from inpatient facilities.
Gas Reimbursement Program in Louisiana
Louisiana Medicaid also offers a Gas Reimbursement Program, allowing family members or friends to transport beneficiaries.
How the Gas Reimbursement Program Works
- Family or friends can become gas reimbursement providers, transporting beneficiaries to Medicaid-covered services.
- The provider gets reimbursed by the health plan based on mileage.
Eligibility to be a Gas Reimbursement Provider
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Cannot reside at the same address as the beneficiary.
- Beneficiaries cannot act as their own gas reimbursement providers or for their children.
Getting Started with Gas Reimbursement
- Contact your assigned health plan or their transportation broker for more details on participating in the Gas Reimbursement Program. Contact numbers for brokers are listed in the NEMT section above.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Louisiana
For situations requiring immediate medical attention, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are available.
Accessing EMS
- In case of a medical emergency, dial 911 immediately.
EMS Eligibility
- Medicaid covers emergency transportation for beneficiaries enrolled in a Medicaid program that includes emergency transportation services.
Key Contacts for Transportation Inquiries in Louisiana
For general inquiries about NEMT, NEAT, and EMS transportation services under Louisiana Medicaid, you can reach out to:
- Email: [email protected]
Or contact these individuals directly:
- Janessa Baudoin – (225) 342-9566 or [email protected]
- Melanie Doucet – (225) 333-7473 or [email protected]
Conclusion: Ensuring Access to Medical Transportation in LA
Navigating medical transportation in LA can seem complex, but understanding the available services like NEMT, NEAT, and EMS, along with the Gas Reimbursement Program, empowers beneficiaries to access the healthcare they need. By knowing the eligibility criteria, how to schedule transportation, and who to contact for assistance, Louisiana residents can ensure they or their loved ones can reliably get to their medical appointments. Remember to plan ahead and utilize the resources provided by Louisiana Medicaid and its network of health plans and brokers to make transportation to healthcare services as seamless as possible.
