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Medicaid provides health coverage to millions of Americans, including eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with disabilities.
Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) is an important Medicaid benefit for beneficiaries who need assistance getting to and from medical appointments. Medicaid is one of the 130 Federal programs found in the Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility Program Inventory; and the largest funder of NEMT, with an estimated FY 2018 spending on transportation of $1.4 billion.
Today, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a State Medicaid Director Letter which introduces the Medicaid Transportation Coverage Guide (“Guide”). This CMS guidance serves as a consolidated and comprehensive compilation of Medicaid transportation policy, providing a one-stop transportation resource for states on federal requirements and state flexibilities.
The Guide largely highlights existing policies but also includes new policies to address scenarios for extended wait times and long-distance trips. The Guide also encourages partnerships, “Public transit agencies are often utilized in state Medicaid transportation programs and recognized as one of the least costly options. State departments of transportation (DOTs) and Medicaid agencies should explore partnerships to better serve the Medicaid population.” To learn more, view the Medicaid Transportation Coverage Guide.
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