Medical Services

Recipient Information

Title XIX Non-Emergency Medical Transportation

The Title XIX Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Program provides assistance to non-emergency medical transportation needs for eligible recipients.

Mileage, Meals and Lodging:

  • You may be reimbursed for mileage, meals and lodging at the current rate of payment.
  • Meals and lodging are not to exceed 14 days for each medical stay for the recipient and, when necessary, one escort or volunteer driver during a medically necessary time away from the recipient's home community.
  • Meals will be reimbursed only if the medical appointment requires an overnight stay.
  • Recipient Only: During an inpatient hospital stay meals and lodging will not be reimbursed.
  • When outpatient treatment is required for extended periods of time away from home, such as chemo or radiation therapy, all efforts to secure a temporary place to stay either by the hospital or a nonprofit organization, need to be exhausted first, before Medicaid will pay for lodging.
  • The Department of Social Services reserves the right to deny coverage for any requests made outside the general coverage guidelines of these rules.

Requirements:

  • You must be on a medical assistance program that provides Title XIX (Medicaid) coverage. Transportation must be to the closest medical facility or medical provider capable of providing the necessary services. The service must be a Medicaid covered service provided by a medical provider who is enrolled in the medical assistance program.
  • Trips prior to your eligibility date cannot be reimbursed.
  • For Managed Care recipients, trips to your Primary Care Provider (PCP) cannot be reimbursed.
  • Trips to medical specialists other than your PCP require a referral card.
  • A Title XIX Medical Transportation Reimbursement Form must be completed and submitted for each medical trip. This form may be turned in at your local Department of Social Services’ office or mailed directly to:
    • Department of Social Services
      Office of Finance/EBT
      700 Governors Drive
      Pierre, SD 57501
  • If an overnight stay is required, a motel receipt must be attached along with the Title XIX Medical Transportation Reimbursement Form.
  • The reimbursement check will be mailed when all required forms and verifications have been received and processed.
  • The Title XIX Medical Transportation Reimbursement Form must be completed and signed by the recipient, parent or guardian and the medical provider for each completed medical trip.

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