Medical Transportation Program FAQs

	Q:	Who is eligible for Medical Transportation services?
	A:  Categorically eligible Medicaid recipients who have no other means of transportation, are to receive a Medicaid-covered service (including dental for recipients younger than 21 years of age), and who receive prior authorization for MTP.

	Q:	How do recipients obtain MTP services?
	A:  The recipient or an advocate, such as a case manager, social worker, or medical-provider staffer, simply calls the MTP toll-free number, 1-877-633-8747 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. CST (including the noon hour, Monday through Friday, except federal holidays) and asks for assistance. The intake specialist will ask for the recipient's Medicaid number; the medical provider's name, address, and phone; the date and time of the health-care appointment; and the health-care service being provided.

	Q:	Can a parent bring her/his child's siblings along on the trip to the health-care provider?
	A:  No, not unless the siblings also will be receiving a Medicaid service and have received prior authorization from MTP for the trip. Otherwise, sibling trips are not authorized for payment by MTP.

	Q:	What if the recipient is unable to travel without someone to ride along and help?
	A:  Adult recipients may request an "attendant" or "service animal" to travel with them if there is a documented medical need or a language barrier.
	Q:	Are children eligible for an attendant to accompany them?
	A:  Children younger than 15 years of age must travel with a responsible adult attendant. Persons 15-17 years of age must travel with an attendant unless they have their parent's written consent (some exceptions may apply). MTP staff in each transportation services center will be happy to explain these policies in detail.
	Q:	If a recipient requests MTP services, is the recipient's request and any personal data shared with MTP staff confidential?
	A:  Yes, MTP services are strictly confidential. Health care information obtained from a recipient or advocate is needed so MTP staff can verify that Medicaid covers the service. This information is not shared with transportation contractors. Contractors only receive information necessary for the recipient's safe transport.
	Q:	Can recipients have a relative, friend, or neighbor transport them in their private vehicle and the driver be reimbursed by MTP for the expense?
	A:  Yes, reimbursement is at the rate of 44.5 cents per mile. Drivers must first complete and submit an Individual Driver Registrant Agreement (IDRA) with the department in which they affirm that they have a current driver license, inspection sticker, license tags, and liability insurance. Each trip must be prior-authorized by MTP to be eligible for reimbursement. The agreement can be obtained by contacting the MTP transportation services center.
	Q:	Can a non-profit organization, health-care provider, or other service organization or association become an Individual Driver Registrant?
	A:  No. Participation in the Individual Driver Registrant program is restricted to an individual using their privately owned vehicle to transport a recipient.
	Q:	Can a recipient who has a car, but cannot afford to buy the gas necessary for the trip, still receive MTP assistance?
	A:  Yes. For information about available assistance, please contact the MTP transportation services center office.
	Q:	Can a recipient receive prior authorization for more than one trip in the same call?
	A:  Yes, multiple trips through the end of the current month can be authorized.
	Q:	Can recipients receive transportation in a vehicle other than a bus or van if their medical condition requires it?
	A:  Yes, as long as the MTP staff can verify the medical need with the health-care provider.
	Q:	If a physician refers the recipient for care to another provider located outside the recipient's local area, across the state, or outside the state, does MTP assist?
	A:  Yes, but the referring physician would need to submit Form 3113, Health Care Provider Statement of Need, to the MTP transportation services center prior to the scheduled health-care appointment. MTP must verify that the health-care service sought is a Medicaid service and that there is not a "reasonably close" health-care provider. If the referring physician is under Managed Care, the physician would still need to submit written acknowledgment of the referral. In this case, MTP would transport the recipient to the referred provider even if there were a closer provider. Such requests can be made up to 60 days in advance but must be made at least five (5) working days in advance. MTP transportation services center can provide Form 3113 to the health-care provider.
	Q:	If a family needs medical care the next day, can MTP help?
	A:  MTP usually needs two (2) working days for most routine trips and five (5) working days for others. When next day services are needed, MTP makes every effort to arrange transportation, but may not always be able to schedule it with contractors responsible for that area. Staff would also attempt to obtain services of another transportation contractor as an exceptional trip or could authorize mileage reimbursement to an individual who would transport the recipient in the individual's private vehicle.
	Q:	If recipients required medical equipment or assistance from medical personnel during their trip that requires an ambulance, will MTP transport them?
	A:  No, MTP does not provide non-emergency ambulance or emergency ambulance services. These services can be obtained by contacting the Medicaid Claims Administrator Ambulance Unit at 800-925-9126 to secure authorization.
	Q:	How does non-profit, for-profit, or other service organization become an MTP contractor?
	A:  Because MTP service contracts are competitively procured, interested parties wishing to be notified of MTP bid opportunities should register with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts' Centralized Master Bidder List (CMBL). For more information regarding the CMBL call them at (512) 463-3459. State government bid opportunities are also available through the Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD).