For Seniors approaching retirement that are a lot of things to think about. One of those things are you may not have considered how you will get around town and to the doctor. Many retirees find themselves in a situation with the cost of transportation being expensive on a fixed income. Fortunately, there are some options available to help cover the cost of transportation. In this blog post, we will discuss whether or not Medicare plans cover transportation costs.
Does Original Medicare Cover Transportation for Medical Reasons?
Original Medicare does not cover transportation for routine health care. Although in some instances it may cover non-emergency ambulance transportation to a healthcare provider. You need to have a health condition diagnosed or treated. Showing that other forms of transportation could endanger your health. Your doctor must provide a written order verifying that ambulance transportation is medically necessary for your health condition. In addition you can also get your handicap sign the same way.
Medicaid may cover your ride to a doctor’s appointment if:
- You don’t have a working vehicle or a driver’s license.
- It’s not safe for you to drive or wait for a ride to a doctor’s appointment. If you have a health condition, physical disability, or mental disability.
- You have no other reasonable means of getting to the doctor.
If your ride to a doctor’s appointment qualifies, Medicaid-covered transportation could include:
- Car
- Van or carpool
- Bus
- Subway
- Taxi
It’s up to each Medicaid program to decide the most appropriate means of transportation for your ride to a doctor’s appointment. Keep in mind that Medicaid programs are state-run, and each state has its own criteria for medical transportation coverage.
If you use an ambulance company based in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or South Carolina. You may be affected by prior authorization rules. If you need non-emergency, scheduled, medically necessary ambulance services. Three trips over 10 day period or one trip a week for three consecutive weeks. To find out if these rules affect you, contact Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 (TTY users, dial 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Also have access to help online.
Will Medicare Advantage Cover Transportation?
Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) are required to provide all the benefits that Original Medicare offers. For instance this may include coverage for transportation to and from medical appointments. Non-emergency ambulance transportation. Some plans may offer additional transportation services, like free or discounted rides on public transportation systems.
There are specific Medicare plans cover transportation due to their contracts with rideshare companies. In addition to transportation they offer help to and from the vehicle. Because this is a very appealing service only a few carriers offer it.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, contact your plan provider to find out what transportation services are available to you. Also you can look in your plan benefit breakdown for additional details
What Are the Costs of Transportation Services?
If you have Original Medicare, you will pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for non-emergency ambulance transportation. In addition after you meet your Part B deductible. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your costs will vary depending on your plan. Lastly be sure to contact your plan directly for clarity.
Some states offer transportation assistance programs to help people with the cost of transportation. To find out if your state has a program, contact your state’s Medicaid office or visit Benefits.gov. Keep in mind they may have long hold times. However it is worth it if you get help.
You may be able to get help with ride costs through your local churches and community groups. Ask your doctor or case manager if they know of any local organizations that can help. However those organizations are a first come first serve basis.
Medicare Plans Cover Transportation in:
Medicare offers its members some options for transportation. If you have Original Medicare, you may be covered for non-emergency ambulance transportation. Also If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your coverage will vary depending on your plan. Be sure to check with your Medicaid office. They may know of local organizations that can help with those costs. In addition there may be flex cards that can help with this matter also.
If you have any questions about your coverage, contact Medicare at (800)MEDICARE (800-643-2273). TTY users can call (877)486-2048. Also they are available 24 Hours a day.
In addition to:
As of 2022, Medicare Advantage plans are approved to offer extra benefits, for example:
Medicare transportation to doctor’s appointments. Medicare Advantage is way to get your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits through a private insurance company approved by Medicare.
To find a Medicare Advantage plan that may cover Medicare transportation. Please enter your zip code on this page.
Here Is a List of Medicare Plans That Cover Transportation:
Humana
Cigna
AARP
Aetna
Wellcare
Will Medicare Plans Provide Non-Medical Transportation?
Some state Medicaid programs offer non-medical transportation (NMT) to and from Medicaid-covered medical appointments. In addition other activities related to the members health care. Also some Advantage products will offer non-medical trips per year. Because NMT may be provided for recipients who do not have access to adequate public or private transportation.
If you are unable to arrange for someone to drive them. Be sure to have a second plan of action to get them to their appointment. Also make a calendar so all family members can be on the same page. Lastly use your Medicare and you book for additional information for services.
If you are looking for help with transportation give us a call. We will be able to look up your zip code and find who is offering help in your area.
