NYS Department Of Health Ends Non-Emergency Transportation MLTC Services

Beginning March 1, Managed Long Term Care (MLTC) health programs across New York State will no longer cover non-emergency medical transportation services for members, including Independence Care System (ICS) members affiliated with VNS Health. Non-emergency medical transportation services will now be arranged by transportation broker Medical Answering Services (MAS). The measure, approved by the State Department of Health, does not impact member medical emergency transportation services, or other medical benefits for members.  

What to know about arranging transportation services through MAS

ICS members who reside in New York City and Westchester County who need to arrange non-emergency medical transportation services on or after March 1 must contact MAS by phone at 844-666-6270 or online.

In addition, ICS members should also note other important MAS information when arranging for transportation, including the following:

• For non-emergency transportation appointments, ICS members must provide 72 hours advance notice.
• Members who can use public transportation should make transportation requests at least five days before an appointment.
• Those who use public transportation will receive bus or train fares from MAS before the scheduled day of service.

Assistance and resources for ICS members requiring non-emergency medical transportation

The MAS website offers essential resources pertaining to non-emergency medical transportation, including contact center information, scheduling guidelines, as well as the modes of transit offered.

Among modes of transportation, non-emergency transportation may include local public transit, ambulatory taxis, ambulettes, among other options.

Members can also create their own MAS accounts to access the MAS portal to schedule their own transportation. Required information includes name, date of birth, contact information, Medicaid number and social security information.

For more information, click here.

Frequently asked MLTC questions for the MAS transition

To address questions members and providers may have, MAS has created a one-pager of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to address questions and concerns of participants in the program.

Among the list of FAQs and answers that pertain to ICS members:

• VNS Health will continue to provide transportation services for members participating in the ICS Thrive Social Adult Day Program.
• Dual eligible members using ALS or BLS transport will not require prior authorization from MAS, and only need to contact MAS for for authorization when using modes of transport other than ALS/BLS.
• ICS members affiliated with VNS Health should continue to follow their current plans for booking non-emergency medical transportation until 11:59pm on February 29.

View MAS’ full list of FAQs here.

Members with questions regarding transportation services before March 1 can contact MAS by phone at 518.473.2160 or email, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  

Support for ICS members during transition

The shift to MAS represents a tremendous change for ICS members and how they make transportation arrangements. For questions or support during this process, members are encouraged to contact their Care Navigators or call (877) 427-2525.