Mo. Code Regs. tit. 13 § 70-5.010

Current through Register Vol. 49, No.12, June 17, 2024
Section 13 CSR 70-5.010 - Nonemergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) Services

PURPOSE: This proposed amendment will allow MO HealthNet participants to receive transportation services to a pharmacy to receive vaccinations during a scheduled appointment.

(1) The MO HealthNet Division (MHD) or its contractor shall reimburse eligible participants or nonemergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers for medically necessary transportation only if a participant does not have access to transportation services that are available free of charge.
(A) The participant must have an appointment for any medical treatment that is approved by MHD.
(B) MHD will not reimburse eligible participants or NEMT providers for nonemergency medical transportation to a pharmacy or to any location where the purpose of the nonemergency transportation is to fill a pharmaceutical prescription. MHD will reimburse eligible participants or NEMT providers for nonemergency medical transportation to a pharmacy for an MHD participant to receive a scheduled vaccination.
(C) Alternative transportation services that may be provided free of charge include but are not limited to private vehicles, volunteers, relatives, a designated legal representative, an individual involved in the resident's care, or transportation services provided by nursing facilities or other residential centers. Participants must not have access to free transportation in order to be eligible for reimbursement under this section.
(2) MHD shall reimburse the most appropriate and least costly transportation alternative suitable for the participant's medical condition. If a participant has access to private vehicles or less costly public transportation, those alternatives must be used in lieu of more expensive transportation alternatives.
(A) The alternative transportation services provided include:
1. Bus passes/tickets;
2. Taxi/sedans;
3. Wheelchair van;
4. Multi-passenger vans;
5. Stretcher van;
6. Ambulance;
7. Gas reimbursement; or
8. Volunteer driver program, if approved by the state agency.
(B) Transports are limited to medical treatment within the distance standards set forth in 20 CSR 400-7.095. Exceptions to these standards include:
1. The participant has a previous history of other than routine medical care with the qualified, enrolled medical service provider for a special condition or illness;
2. The participant has been referred by a Primary Care Provider (PCP) to a qualified, enrolled medical service provider for a special condition or illness; and
3. There is not a routine or specialty care appointment available within thirty (30) calendar days to a qualified, enrolled medical service provider within the travel standards.
(3) MHD shall reimburse for the least expensive and most appropriate ancillary services when the medical treatment requires an overnight stay. Ancillary services include meals and lodging.

13 CSR 70-5.010

AUTHORITY: section 208.201, RSMo Supp. 2007.* Original rule filed May 16, 2005, effective Oct. 30, 2005. Amended: Filed Feb. 1, 2008, effective Aug. 30, 2008.
Amended by Missouri Register February 1, 2021/Volume 46, Number 03, effective 3/31/2021
Amended by Missouri Register October 17, 2022/Volume 47, Number 20, effective 11/30/2022

*Original authority: 208.201, RSMo 1987, amended 2007.