MEDICAID'S NON-EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM – A RESOURCE THAT MANY DON'T KNOW ABOUT

What is the Medicaid Non-Emergency Transportation (NET) program?

Medicaid's NET program is set up to help pay for rides to and from a doctor's office, clinic or other place for medical care that can be planned ahead of time. This ride can be in a car, bus or van and can be given by a friend, neighbor or family member. You can also get a ride on a city bus or from a group in your town or area.

Who can get a ride?

In order for Medicaid to pay for a ride, the person who is going to the doctor or clinic must be covered by Medicaid for the visit they are going to make and should be approved for the ride ahead of time.  There are special provisions for weekends and emergencies.

How does the program work?

In order for Medicaid to pay for a ride, you (or someone who is helping you) will need to call Medicaid's toll-free number at 1-800-362-1504 at least five days before the ride is needed. When you call, the operator will ask you for some information to make sure you are covered by Medicaid and also about your need for a ride. This information will be used to decide if Medicaid can pay for your ride. The NET hotline will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on state holidays.

The Alabama Medicaid Agency has 10 regional NET coordinators who are familiar with local transportation options who can assist with your transportation needs.  During calendar year 2003, Medicaid beneficiaries received transportation assistance for over 368,000 round trips and the NET Mental Health System provided over 194,000 transport days to patients.  Because of the way NET is funded, the agency saved nearly $2.6 million dollars in 2003.

For detailed information about this excellent program, visit http://www.medicaid.alabama.gov/programs/transportation/non-emergency_transportation.aspx?tab=4