What is the Cost of NEMT Services?
The cost of non-emergency medical transport varies on different service providers. Generally, the additional cost is calculated based on the number of features provided. In case the ambulance includes the wheelchairs and stretcher, the price goes up. In addition, the price increases based on the wait time, additional mileage, and attendant.
The price can be different during weekend hours and holidays. Ambulatory base rate hikes up during the holiday season. Therefore, the prices aren’t fixed for NEMT services. Still, it’s an excellent choice for people who don’t have a car or don’t drive yet need to attend their medical appointments.
In most cases, medical transportation is used in emergency situations. What many people do not know is that medical escort service service can be used for non-emergency needs as well. Patients may not think about this because they are uncertain about what is covered by their health insurance policy. If a person requires assistance in getting to the hospital for treatment, they can call for transport. The following explains the basics for ordering this service.
Medicaid Status
The first step before ordering medical transport is Medicaid status. If the person is either receiving Medicaid or is eligible for it, they can get non-emergency ambulance service to the hospital. The individual can also get a ride to the doctor’s office for an appointment. Medicaid also offers assistance to those who not own a car or do not have a driver’s license.
State Rules
Even if someone is on Medicaid or qualifies for it, state laws still need to be checked for coverage and what is allowed by a service provider. It should not be assumed that the Medicaid coverage in one state will be the same as it is in another state. The fine print of state rules should be read and fully understood before ordering non-emergency medical transport to a doctor’s office or the hospital. If this option is not available, the person may be able to call for a cab or a car and driver to get to the medical appointment. It all depends on the rules of the state.
Time Factor
An important point to note is that if a driver must wait for the person during their appointment, Medicaid may not cover this cost. This is a serious budgetary consideration, as cab fare and hourly car hire fees can be quite high. In addition, if the driver is forced to wait for an unusually long time or the person misses their appointment and fails to show for the car ride, Medicaid may place a restriction on the number of times the service can be requested.
Additional Information
After verifying that insurance will cover the cost of the non-emergency transport and knowing the options for getting to the appointment, the next step is scheduling a pick-up time. The individual should also have a rough idea of when they need the driver to return for the trip home or at least be prepared to wait for another driver to come. Another option is to pay the first driver to wait through the appointment time. While this is not the ideal scenario, it will provide reliability. The person should also ensure that they are aware of all the details regarding their insurance coverage before ordering transport service to avoid a large bill later on. Ambulance service can be very expensive, so it is best to make a solid plan based on the options available.
For those who do not drive or have a car, non-emergency medical transport is an excellent choice. Everyone requires assistance at times, and people deserve access to doctors and treatment when it is required. Knowing the details of insurance coverage and the pricing for transport services will help the individual decide if it is the right option for them. Medical Transport Services is available around the clock for all patient needs. Call or visit the website to schedule a consultation.
