How to become a medicaid transportation provider in ny

Medical transportation services are provided under the Medicaid program to SSI and Medicaid eligible individuals for the purpose of accessing medical care. 

Modes of medical transportation
Bus, taxi, ambulette, ambulance, and mileage for private cars are usual.

Who determines the correct mode of transportation?
Determination is made by the patient's physician and/or medical practitioner in conjunction with prescribed guidelines within which the unit operates.

Who chooses the providers of medical transportation?
The individual chooses from a list of approved providers and vendors.

What is the process for those enrolled in managed care plans?

• Please note: Effective Jan. 1, 2012, managed care transportation will be handled by Medical Answering Services, LLC (MAS). 

Getting approval for medical transportation
The Medical Transportation Unit is located at MAS at 375 West Onondaga Blvd., Syracuse, NY 13202.  Their mailing address is:

PO Box 11998
Syracuse, NY 13218 

Bus and private car approvals are handled by the local Department of Social Services district offices. The SSI Unit is located at 112 East Post Road, White Plains, NY 10601. The phone number is (914) 995-6771.

How do I contact Medicaid transportation services?
To schedule, cancel or inquire about Medicaid transportation services, contact MAS by either

• Phone: (866) 883-7865
• Fax: (315) 299-2786
• Web site: www.medanswering.com

Complaints
If customers or providers have complaints about Medicaid transportation services or other medical transporation services, contact the Department of Health by e-mail at or by phone at (518) 473-2160.

Vendor and provider contacts

• Transportation vendors having questions may contact the state directly by phone at (518) 473-2160 or by e-mail at .
• Medical providers and transportation vendors that have questions about the eligibility verification process should contact Computer Sciences Corporation at (800) 343-9000.

As a Medicaid driver, you provide non-emergency transportation to recipients of Medicaid insurance. There are many requirements and regulations that go into this career choice, but once you have obtained your necessary credentials, it can be a rewarding career.

Becoming an Employee

One path to a career as a Medicaid driver is to work for an established driving company. Contact the employer to inquire about their specific applicant requirements. Most companies request a high school diploma or GED. You will have to obtain a commercial driver's license and, depending on the state, the license must allow you to transport passengers. A good driving record is also important, with minimal tickets and accidents.

You must also pass a background check and possibly obtain certain medical clearances. The ability to lift up to 50 pounds is also helpful because you will be working with individuals who may need assistance getting into and out of the vehicle.

Do Your Research

If business ownership is your preference, your first step is to contact your state human services agency. States vary in the way that they contract and pay Medicaid drivers. Virginia uses LogistiCare, a management company that contracts with driving companies to handle the actual transportation duties. The company provides its own Logisticare training program for service providers. Oregon uses a range of service providers which are listed on the Oregon Health Authority website.

In this situation, the network manager handles the credentialing of the driving companies, the scheduling and the billing. Other states work directly with various driving companies. In these jurisdictions, you will apply directly with the state agency.

Getting on the Transportation Provider Network List

In order to subcontract with a driver management company, you must have an established business. This usually entails getting a business license in your locality. You must also register your business with your state corporation office and obtain a tax ID number.

Once you have taken the basic steps to start your business, you then need to make sure that you and your employees have the necessary driving and financial credentials. When applying to work with the management company, you will be provided with a list of these requirements. Once you have met them all, your company can start transporting clients and receiving pay from the management company.

A State Contract

If your state contracts directly with Medicaid drivers, check with the Department of Human Services to determine its requirements. A criminal background check is generally necessary. Because you will be billing Medicaid, the prevention of fraud is very important.

Certain criminal convictions will keep you from being eligible for Medicaid billing. Within your company, each of your drivers must meet the transportation provider credentialing and licensing requirements. In addition, all of your vehicles must be titled correctly and you must make sure you have the appropriate amount of liability insurance. Once you complete all necessary forms, submit all required documents to the state office for consideration.

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