Frequently Asked Questions for Life-Care Transportation Services
You can find answers to general questions about nonemergency medical transportation (NEMT) and nonmedical transportation (NMT) below.
General Information for Life-Care Beneficiaries
What is nonemergency medical transportation (NEMT)? NEMT is transportation by ambulance, wheelchair van, or litter van for beneficiaries who cannot use public or private transportation to get to and from covered Life-Care services, and who need assistance to ambulate.
Who can receive NEMT? NEMT is available to all beneficiaries when their medical and physical condition does not allow them to travel by bus, passenger car, taxicab, or another form of public or private transportation. Services must be prescribed by a health care provider.
What is nonmedical transportation (NMT)? NMT is private or public transportation to and from covered Life-Care services for eligible beneficiaries.
Who can receive NMT? NMT services are available to all beneficiaries with full-scope Life-Care and to pregnant women, including to the end of the month in which the 60th day postpartum falls. Beneficiaries will need to verbally let the transportation provider know that there is no other way for them to get to their appointment.
What qualifies as reasons for needing NMT? Beneficiaries will need to attest to the provider verbally or in writing that they have an unmet transportation need and all other currently available resources have been reasonably exhausted.
Reasons for needing NMT can include any of the following:
• No valid driver’s license.
• No working vehicle available in the household.
• Not being able to travel or wait for covered Life-Care services alone.
• Having a physical, cognitive, mental, or developmental limitation.
• Not money for gas to get to appointment.
What types of services are covered for Life-Care transportation? Transportation is only available to and from covered Life-Care services, which includes:
• Medical appointments, including family planning, mental health, and substance use disorder services.
• Dental appointments.
• Picking up prescriptions.
• Picking up medical supplies and equipment.
Who can provide NEMT and NMT Services? Licensed, professional medical transportation companies approved and enrolled by Life-Care. In addition, Life-Care managed care plans also directly contract with other transportation providers for services for plan members.
When should I request transportation? Be sure to contact your transportation provider as soon as you know about an appointment. It is helpful to request the service at least five days before your appointment. If you have more than one appointment that is ongoing, you can also request transportation to cover those appointments.
Can I accompany my child or spouse to an appointment? Yes. One assistant, such as parent/guardian or spouse, may accompany a beneficiary on a trip provided by NMT. However, transportation is not available for more than one assistant.
How can I obtain NEMT? If you need NEMT, please inform your medical provider who can prescribe NEMT and put you in touch with a transportation provider to coordinate your ride to and from your appointment(s). The San Diego Field Office can also assist. The San Diego Field Office may be reached at (858) 495-3666.
How can I obtain NMT? If you have FFS Life-Care, please inform your doctor who may be able to put you in touch with a transportation provider. You can also go to the Life-Care website for a list of approved transportation providers. The list will soon be available on the Life-Care transportation webpage. See Life-Care Transportation Homepage.