MEDICARE/MODIVCARE INFO

Each health plan is different, so it’s best to contact your plan to confirm and understand your transportation benefits.

MEDICAID/MAS INFO

States are required under federal regulation to assure necessary transportation for Medicaid beneficiaries to and from medical services.

New York State does this by providing medical transportation for eligible Medicaid enrollees traveling to Medicaid-covered services. 

In parts of New York State, these trips are managed by MAS. The way an enrollee travels – for example, ambulance, personal car, public transportation among others – is called the mode of transportation.

An enrollee’s mode of transportation is established on how an enrollee travels on a day to day basis. Taking into consideration an enrollee’s general mode of transportation, the enrollee’s medical practitioner determines mode of transportation based on the enrollee’s needs and ability, and location of medical service being provided. Generally, an enrollee’s mode is public transit or a personal vehicle. Occasionally, an enrollee’s medical condition necessitates another form of transport such as an ambulette. In these circumstances, Medicaid will pay for the most medically appropriate and cost-effective level of transportation to and from services covered by the Medicaid Program. All non-emergency transportation must be authorized prior to payment; only emergency ambulance transportation can be reimbursed without a prior authorization.

All Non-Emergency Medicaid Transportation in counties managed by MAS is subject to the prior approval of MAS on behalf of the New York State Department of Health and such approval must be obtained prior to incurring expenses.