Original Medicare does not usually pay transportation to doctor's appointments (Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B). Some Medicare Advantage plans, on the other hand, may include transportation to doctor's appointments. Various groups, such as your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA), may be able to provide non-Medicare transportation to doctor appointments .
Original Medicare Transportation for medical reasons
Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B) do not usually cover transportation to and from routine medical appointments. Non-emergency ambulance transportation to and from a healthcare provider, on the other hand, maybe covered. You need to be tested or treated for a health problem, and other modes of transportation could put your health at risk. Because of your medical condition, your doctor must provide a formal order stating that ambulance transportation is medically required.
If you need non-emergency, planned, medically necessary ambulance services and hire an ambulance comapny based in Pennsylvania, South Carolina or New Jersey, you may be subject to prior authorization restrictions.
-
1) at least three times in a 10-day period
-
2) at least once a week for three weeks.
Contact Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 (TTY users, dial 1-877-486-2048) to see if these restrictions apply to you.
Also Read: How Do I find a Primary Care Physician near me who accepts Medicare?
Non-Medicare Transportation Options
Non-Medicare transportation options may be provided in their nearby region through local groups for beneficiaries who do not qualify for non-emergency ambulance transportation. Your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA)), for example, may be able to assist you in obtaining transportation to and from your healthcare provider. You can use the SUA/AAA Finder on the organization's website to find a State and/or Area Agency on Aging.
These organizations may also provide transportation for normal medical care if you are eligible for Medicaid or the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). For further information, go to www.Medicaid.gov.
Also Read: What's the Difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicare Advantage plans will be able to offer innovative benefits, such as Medicare transportation to doctor's appointments. Medicare Advantage is a commercial insurance business that has been approved by Medicare to provide Medicare Part A and Part B services.
Enter your zip code to find a Medicare Advantage plan that may include Medicare transportation.
