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See also:  Getting to MGH (on public area of our website- explanations for patients of many transportation options)

 

MassHealth Non-Emergency Transportation

  • MassHealth Provider Request for Transportation (PT-1)

    (Formerly Prescription for Transportation)

    • Description/Eligibility
      • MassHealth covers transportation for MassHealth Standard, CommonHealth and CarePlus members to medical care in certain situations
      • The MassHealth PT-1 form is used to authorize transportation, including sedans and (as of 4/1/22) wheelchair vans, for MassHealth members provided through transportation brokers. 
      • Transportation is covered if family, friends and public transportation are not available or are inappropriate.
      • Medical care must be within the home "locality" (within 25 miles of home - more info) OR one must demonstrate that equivalent care is not available in the locality and that the treating facility is the closest place available to get that care.
      • The PT-1 is a "Prescription" for transportation that is completed by an authorized provider: physician, physician assistant, nurse midwife, dentist or dental third-party administrator, nurse practitioner, psychologist, or managed-care representative.
      • The member must receive a medically necessary service covered by MassHealth at the trip’s destination
      • Types of PT-1 (New as of April 1, 2022)
        • Curb-to-curb PT-1 (traditional) - Curb to curb transportation services, with or without attendant/escort (not supplied by transportation provider) via sedan or wheelchair van.
        • Door-to-Door PT-1 (enhanced) Door-to-door transportation services, with or without attendant/escort (not supplied by the transportation provider) via sedan or wheelchair van. Accommodations are enhanced to account for the needs of an individual to be safely transported to/from origin, and destination - select when a member requires assistance holding the door or navigating a path to their appointment. These services can be scheduled through the brokerage using their preferred or contracted transportation provider upon confirmation of an approved PT-1 (PT-1 number generated upon eligibility verification through the CWP).
        • Discharge PT-1 (14 day authorization) This service is single use authorization to safely discharge or transition eligible members via traditional or enhanced services (MGH Inpatient Case Managers arrange). This service can be delivered via traditional or enhanced options dependent on the member’s need or condition at discharge.
      • MassHealth PT-1 page for members and providers - includes Q&A, links to MART and GATRA and the PT-1 portal

    • Completing the PT-1 Request
      • Apply via the online system. (Paper form is no longer accepted.) Medical providers should have access and can delegate access to their staff (or request an account: http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/provider/insurance/masshealth/claims/customer-services/customer-web-portal-account-request-form.html. More info below).

      • Provider Handout/Instructions: Provider Guide: MassHealth Non-Emergency Transportation
        • Provider doesn't know their MassHealth Provider ID and Service Location (PIDSL)? MGH Provider PIDSL Look-Up (thanks to Naomi Dyson)

         

      • Application Assistance program- provider agrees PT-1 is medically necessary, but is unable or unwilling to complete it? MGH Social Service staff may refer non-oncology patients to our General Resource Specialist (Hannah Perry) OR our Med/Surg Resource Specialist (Karen Guatemala) as appropriate to submit the online PT-1. (Continue to refer oncology patients to our Oncology Resource Specialist).
        • General Resource specialist referral (Hannah Perry): PT-1 Referral Form (rev 5/3/22)
        • Inpatient Med/Surg Resource Specialist referral (Grace Santana) PT-1 Referral MED/SURG
        • Process:
          1. Please give provider two provider handouts (also included in referral form packet):
          2. Complete the 
            1. General Resource Specialist Referral Form (rev 5/3/22) - you will need info from the patient and provider
              • email completed form to our General Resource Specialist (Hannah Perry)
            2. Inpatient Med/Surg Resource Specialist referral (Grace Santana) PT-1 Referral MED/SURG
              • email completed form to our Inpatient Med/Surg Resource Specialist (Grace Santana)
          3. Resource Specialist will submit the PT-1 request, check for approval and notify you of any additional info needed or outcome
          4. Please relay outcome to provider and patient (Karen will do so for her pts, unless SW indicates otherwise)
            • MassHealth will mail a letter to patient with instructions to set-up rides
            • If you indicated on form that there is an imminent appointment, resource specialist will include patient instructions

      NOTE: The Paper Form has been discontinued as of September 1, 2018.

    • Booking Rides
      • Rides must be booked at least three BUSINESS days in advance except for urgent needs. Transportation should be provided if the member has an immediate need for treatment, the member will be receiving urgent care, or rescheduling the visit will negatively affect the member’s condition. If a member notifies his or her RTA that such circumstances apply, the RTA will contact the member’s provider to confirm. For more information, see MassHealth PT-1 Enforcing 3-Day Notice...- MGH Community News, January 2019. (Three day notice enforcement began as of February 1, 2019.)

      • MART transportation, the broker used by most of our patients for MassHealth PT-1 transportation, has an online member portal for patients to book or cancel their PT-1 trips.

      • GATRA member portal - book or cancel PT-1 trips

    • Staff Reference
      • MassHealth Transportation Provider Regulations (full regulations). Or see highlighted excerpted regs that pertain only to PT-1s.
        • In rare instances- Verbal Authorizations may be provided. See provider regulations- p. 4-3 for definition of Verbal Authorizations and p. 4-7 for pertinent regulation [407.421 (A) (1) (a)].

      • Transportation Brokers Update- as of July 1, 2021 the state will only contract with two brokers: MART and GATRA
        • If your broker was Your broker will be
        MART MART
        GATRA GATRA
        CCRTA GATRA
        BRTA, CATA, FRTA MART

    • Special Accommodations (PT-1s) - Instructions
      • Service Animals- To indicate that a member will be accompanied by a service animal, providers should enter “Service Animal” in Section 7 (Other Information) of the PT-1 form in the field “Specify other transportation needs.”
      • Other common special accommodations requests include transport by sedan (rather than a van- perhaps because patient cannot climb into a van), patient needs to ride in front seat, or patient requires an exclusive ride (not a shared ride), etc. These other Special Accommodations must be requested in the PT-1 application (list in ALL three of the free text fields). MassHealth may require a letter of medical necessity from the authorizing provider.

  • Patient Handouts

  • Policy - MassHealth Transportation at Risk

 

Other MassHealth Transportation Information

Topics:

  • MassHealth- Non-Emergency Ambulance Coverage

Will MassHealth cover a non-emergency ambulance to/from HOME and an outpatient appointment or procedure?

Medicare and MassHealth typically only cover non-emergency ambulance transport to/from home when it is “medically necessary” which under the Medicare definition usually requires either:

  • you are confined to bed AND unable to sit in a chair or wheelchair (confined to your bed defined as unable to get up from bed without help, unable to walk); OR
  • you need medical services during your trip that are only available in an ambulance, such as monitoring of vital functions.

If the patient doesn't meet this criteria, but needs physical assistance to enter their home such as opening doors or navigating a path, consider the PT-1 Door-to-Door service. If the patient needs physical assistance beyond opening doors or navigating a path to the appointment (such as needing physical assistance to manage stairs), we advise the family to select an ambulance company that covers their area and ask to speak with the billing office in advance of the trip to inquire if they think it would be likely to be covered.

Alternatively, are there friends, family members, church members or others who might be able to assist the patient to get into the house for this one trip? Might they have the resources to hire someone to assist? If none are available sometimes people have called their local fire department to seek assistance.

Note - availability of non-emergency ambulance is very limited: Loss of Nonemergency Ambulance for Disabled People Leaves Many Trapped in Their Homes (8/23)

Transportation is provided by a fee-for-service transportation provider for MassHealth members who need the following kinds of nonemergency transportation:

  • (Wheelchair vans no longer fall under this process- as of 4/1/22 use the PT-1 process)
  • Nonemergency ambulance for members, wherever they live. 
    • Clarification (See the full MassHealth All Provider Bulletin 285)
      • Nonemergency ambulance may be used to medically necessary treatment services at all 24-hour level-of-care settings, including mental health or substance use disorder treatment services. [Acute inpatient hospitals; Psychiatric hospitals; Level 4 withdrawal management level of care, whether delivered in an acute inpatient hospital or a free-standing sub-acute facility; Community-based acute treatment (CBAT) or intensive community-based acute treatment (I/CBAT) for children and adolescents; Transitional care units; Community crisis stabilization (CCS); and Acute treatment services (ATS), enhanced acute treatment services (E-ATS), clinical support services (CSS), transitional support services (TSS), or residential rehabilitation services (RRS).]
      • Section 35 commitment is NOT required to establish medical necessity for nonemergency ambulance transportation to mental health or substance use disorder treatment services.
      • When completing the MassHealth Medical Necessity Form in this scenario, providers should check the box in Section 6b to indicate that the member has a medical condition that makes ambulance transportation necessary and then note, in the space provided, the specific behavioral health need necessitating the service at the 24-hour level-of-care setting. (See the full MassHealth All Provider Bulletin 285).

All nonemergency ambulance transportation requires the completion of the MassHealth Medical Necessity Form. The ambulance company typically will facilitate completion of this form. The ambulance should carry the medical necessity form on board, or the ambulance dispatch will fax it over to the provider before the medical appointment. - See 130 CMR 407.421(D) for details related to the form and 130 CMR 407.481(B) for coverage criteria: MassHealth Transportation Regulations

Call the Mass Customer Service Center at (800) 841-2900 for a list ambulance providers. [Note - availability of non-emergency ambulance is very limited: Loss of Nonemergency Ambulance for Disabled People Leaves Many Trapped in Their Homes (8/23)]

In all other cases, transportation must be provided through a transportation broker and authorized using the PT-1 process.

(Adapted from www.mass.gov/how-to/request-transportation-for-a-member)

 

*Facility to Facility transport- The general guidelines for nonemergency services are: a medical provider must authorize transportation by completing a Prescription for Transportation (PT-1) form for community-based services or a Medical Necessity Form (MNF) for institutionally based services. (Source https://www.mass.gov/service-details/covered-services) As noted above, typically ambulance/chair car companies will facilitate completion of this form.

  • Wheelchair Van Transport- Wheelchair Vans Now Require a PT-1

As of April 1, 2022, MassHealth wheelchair van transportation is no longer "fee-for-service (FFS)". Providers now need to submit a PT-1 request for transportation through the online Customer Web Portal (CWP) for all wheelchair van transportation. Sedan service continues to require a PT-1; this did not change.
The transportation brokers are

  • MART for
    • Human Services Transport (HST) Service Area 1 (Western Massachusetts) and
    • HST Service Area 2 (Northeastern Massachusetts, including metropolitan Boston)
  • GATRA for HST Service Area 3 (Southeastern Massachusetts).

For a listing of brokers by town, please see www.mass.gov/doc/find-your-hst-broker/download.

Learn more about the PT-1 process.

  • MassHealth Transportation Reimbursement (for Public Transportation) - MassHealth may reimburse for public transportation expenses to medical treatment (see below for details on reimbursement using one's own vehicle- exceptional circumstances only).
    • Must have MassHealth coverage type that covers transportation (Standard, CommonHealth, CarePlus.) Those with Limited or Family Assistance do not qualify.
    • Public transportation costs must total at least $5.
    • Reimbursement requests must be submitted within 90 days.
    • Only covers travel within one's "locality" (within 25 miles of home - more info) unless you can demonstrate that equivalent medical services are not available locally- the same rule applies to PT-1. MassHealth may in some cases authorize an exception (see below under documentation).
    • Submit request for reimbursement along with receipts and documentation to MassHealth.
    • Documentation
      • Documentation must indicate that MassHealth covered medical services were received, including the date(s) and specific address where care was received. In cases of urgent medical need, the documentation must also state the time medical services were received.
      • It must be signed by a physician, registered nurse, physician assistant, licensed practical nurse, nurse midwife, dentist or dental third-party administrator, nurse practitioner, medical-facility social worker, psychologist, or managed-care representative.
      • If a member traveled outside his or her locality (i.e., if the patient's hometown is not within 25 miles of Boston), the documentation must state the medical services that were needed and document that they were not available locally. Transportation costs outside one's "locality" are not reimbursable unless the medical services are not available locally or the costs are authorized by MassHealth.
      • Submit to MassHealth by: Fax: 617-988-2925, or Mail: MassHealth Transportation Authorization Unit, P.O. Box 45, Boston, MA 02112-0045 (Keep a copy of all the claim documents you submit to MassHealth, in case MassHealth says it never received them.)

      See regs for details (see 407.431 on page 4-10).

      Patient and Provider Handout: The Public Transportation Reimbursement Process, Medical Legal Partnership Boston

  • Reimbursement for using one's own vehicle - Since July 1, 2010* costs related to using one's own vehicle are no longer reimbursed except in "exceptional circumstances".

    • Exceptional circumstances require that NEITHER public transportation nor other forms of MassHealth transportation (such as dial-a-ride or taxi through a PT-1), are available or appropriate.

    More detail: see staff/patient handout: MassHealth Medical Appointment Transportation Options

    See page 4-6 (note special page numbers in upper right corner) of regs for 130 CMR 407.411 (E) (3) for more detail.

    If seeking reimbursement for personal vehicle expenses follow the procedure above (under public transportation), but also include documentation to support the request for an exception due to "exceptional circumstances".

    (*See "MassHealth Drops Restorative Dental & Transport Reimbursement", MGH Community News, May 2010.)

 

Medicare - Non-Emergent Ambulance Coverage

  • In some cases, Medicare may cover limited, medically necessary, non-emergency ambulance transportation IF
    • you have a written order from your doctor stating that ambulance transportation is necessary due to your medical condition (ambulance companies typically will facilitate obtaining documentation.)
    • AND either:
      • you are confined to your bed AND unable to sit in a chair or wheelchair (confined to your bed defined as unable to get up from bed without help, unable to walk); OR
      • you need medical services during your trip that are only available in an ambulance, such as monitoring of vital functions.
  • Lack of access to alternative transportation alone does not justify Medicare coverage.
  • If covered, Medicare pays 80% for ambulance transport. Secondary coverage, if any, may cover the other 20% or the patient may be responsible.
  • Medicare does NOT pay for chair cars ("ambulettes").


    • (Source for this section: Medicare Interactive)

    Will MassHealth cover a non-emergency ambulance to/from home and an outpatient appointment or procedure?

    Medicare (and MassHealth) typically only cover non-emergency ambulance transport to/from home when it is “medically necessary” which under the Medicare definition usually requires either:

    • you are confined to bed AND unable to sit in a chair or wheelchair (confined to your bed defined as unable to get up from bed without help, unable to walk); OR
    • you need medical services during your trip that are only available in an ambulance, such as monitoring of vital functions.

    If the patient doesn't meet this criteria, but needs physical assistance to enter their home (such as somone who uses a wheelchair or is able to walk, but can't manage stairs), we advise the family to select an ambulance company that covers their area and ask to speak with the billing office in advance of the trip to inquire if they think it would be likely to be covered.

    Alternatively, are there friends, family members, church members or others who might be able to assist the patient to get into the house for this one trip? Might they have the resources to hire someone to assist? If none are available sometimes people have called their local fire department to seek assistance.

  • More information and sources on our Medicare page.
  • Note - availability of non-emergency ambulance is very limited: Loss of Nonemergency Ambulance for Disabled People Leaves Many Trapped in Their Homes (8/23)

 

MBTA Programs Including The RIDE

  • MBTA - MBTA Website

    • The RIDE - The RIDE website
      • The RIDE Guide – Patient Handout from The MBTA (Revised 8/22) Additional languages all rev 8/22: Spanish, Haitian Creole and Simplified Chinese
      • Note: Residents of Framingham and Natick- see special procedures (separate program from the MBTA's The RIDE)

      • The RIDE Service Area - See the Service Area Map or see an alphabetical list - click on the The RIDE Service Area drop-down arrow

      • To Apply

        (Residents of Framingham and Natick see special procedures )
        • For STANDARD applications the MBTA's The RIDE uses In-Person Assessment. Call The RIDE Mobility Center to make an appointment: 617-337-2727
          • There are no paper applications for standard The RIDE services.
          • The Ride assessments - generally these assessments are in-person if this is the first time someone has applied/they do not already have a Ride 30 Day Medical Necessity application in place. The RIDE will provide transportation to the Eligibility Center for the applicant and a support person. Free parking also available.
          • There may be some situations when an in person assessment is not required, such as if documentation alone justifies the need.
          • There are no specific transit skills tests for those with mental health or cognitive disabilities, vision impairments or seizure disorders. Since these impairments will require further medical documentation of how they impact one's ability to use regular fixed-route service, we suggest applicants bring a medical statement from their provider to the appointment (diagnosis statement from their mental health care provider if they have a psychiatric condition; Visual Acuity or Field of Vision Statement from their vision care provider if their vision is impaired; statement from health care provider regarding their disability).
          • See The RIDE Eligibility Center brochure (Revised 5/17) The RIDE Eligibility Center Brochure- SPANISH
          • Applicants to set up an account and deposit money into it before using The RIDE (see Add value to your account instructions).
          • Learn more about the In-Person Assessment process (staff reference document).

         

        • 30-Day Medical Necessity Service - New process requires patient to call for an intake before we can submit the form. More below.
          • Provides 30 days of full service to individuals when requested by hospitals, dialysis or cancer centers, doctors, rehabilitation facilities, etc. to deal with a medical emergency. Examples: someone discharged from the hospital who needs to be able to get to follow-up appointments, a new dialysis patient, someone starting cancer treatment.
          • To qualify the applicant must have a NEW disability (diagnosis within the last 3 months) and important/urgent medical appointment(s) that require transportation before the applicant would be able to complete the standard application process. 
            • If patient was diagnosed more than 3 months prior, they should call 617-337-2727 to schedule an appointment for an intake, and, we are told, The RIDE will schedule an intake within 24 - 48 hours.
          • NEW 30 Day Medical Necessity process! As of 4/24 - PATIENTS need to call the MBTA at 617-337-2727 to complete an intake before we can submit the form.
            • During the intake call, the patient can provide our email (preferred) or fax number, and The Ride will send us the form to fill out.
          • Once we complete and submit the new form, allow up to 48 hours to process. This, combined with the time it takes to post deposits to a member's account, means you should allow up to a week for a patient to be able to use the service.
          • Patient notification- Once approved the patient is assigned a member RIDE ID number which they will need to set up their account and begin using the service. The RIDE will notify us of the approval and RIDE ID, we then share that with the applicant with instructions to use the program. (See following bullets.)
          • Once approved, appicants must call to set up an appointment for a regular application/in-person assessment to avoid a gap in service after the end of the 30 day Medical Necessity approval. Medical Necessity approvals are NOT renewable or able to be extended.
          • Applicants will still need to set up their The RIDE account and deposit funds before using the service (see Add value to your account instructions).
          • Social Service Staff Tip Sheet- note: includes links that only social service staff can access; use the patient handout below for patients and staff from other depts. (Rev 11/19)
          • Handout for Patients (and non-Social Service staff) (rev 11/19)

         

      • Using The RIDE
        • Set up and add money to a The RIDE Account
          • Online: https://commerce.mbta.com/THERIDE/ Allow 2 business days for value to post to your account.
          • Call 1-888-844-0355, 7AM - 8PM Monday to Friday and 9AM - 5PM Saturday and Sunday. Allow 1 hour for money to post to your account.
          • Mail a check or money order noting your RIDE ID # to: MBTA - THE RIDE Fares, 10 Park Plaza - Rm. 5000 Boston, MA 02116. Allow 5 business days for posting.
          • Visit the CharlieCard Store at Downtown Crossing Station adjacent to the Red and Orange Lines at Downtown Crossing Station. The CharlieCard Store is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Please note: The accessible entrance is located at 32 Summer St. via the 101 Arch St. building, Boston. Posting is within 1 hour.
        • Schedule transportation
          • Call 844-427-7433 to schedule rides OR
          • Reserve online at www.mbta.com/trac. (Login with your RIDE ID# and your password is your date of birth using MMDDYYY format.)
            • More about Trac's transition to Routematch software (fall 2019)
        • Reservations must be made at least 1 day in advance.
        • The RIDE will call the evening before your trip to confirm if they are able to fulfill the request.
        • Most one-way rides cost $3.35. Some trips are subject to a premium fare of $5.60 each way. Reservationists should tell you the cost when you call.
        • A Personal Care Attendant (PCA) may accompany for free.
        • Handout for Patients (and non-Social Service staff) (rev 11/19)
        • More information: The RIDE Guide – Patient Handout from The MBTA (Revised 8/22) Additional languages all rev 8/22: Spanish, Haitian Creole and Simplified Chinese

        • The RIDE Flex (Replaced "On-Demand Pilot)
          As of July 1, 2021 The RIDE Flex pilot program replaced the On-Demand Paratransit Pilot program to allow RIDE customers to arrange on-demand trips with Uber and Lyft. Current users have been notified of this change by email, and through their Uber or Lyft app.

          Previous On-Demand Paratransit Pilot participants need to re-enroll in the new program.

          Note to those previously enrolled with the On-Demand Paratransit Pilot who use Curb: Curb will not be included in the first phase of this roll-out. Additional providers may be added in future.

          Features of the Flex program include:

          • Same-day bookings with a smartphone app or over the phone through The RIDE Access Center (TRAC).
            • Both Uber and Lyft are required to offer a phone option for riders without smartphones (under the On-Demand Paratransit Pilot only Lyft offered a call center.)
          • Trip prices as low as $3 (see pricing details below).
          • Wheelchair-accessible vehicles (includes incentive for Uber and Lyft to ofer wheelchair-accessible vehicles)
          • TRAC-scheduled trips from your Flex provider of choice, which may help avoid unexpected delays
          • Curb-to-curb service (door-to-door service may not be available)*

          *While the RIDE Flex does not offer traditional ADA paratransit-level service, customers may ask drivers for assistance getting into and out of the vehicle. There is no guarantee that drivers will be able to provide this service.

          Monthly Trip Allocations
          Clients will get a monthly allocation of subsidized trips on The RIDE Flex based on their past RIDE usage. If a client is new to The RIDE or only takes occasional trips, they will start with 2 trips per month. The MTBA will review trip allocations every 6 months and will notify the client if their number of rides increases. Once allocated trips for a month are used, the client can still use the chose provider (Uber or Lyft) but the ride will not be subsidized.

          The RIDE Flex Prices
          For on demand trips, there is a $3 base co-pay for each trip. The MBTA subsidizes up to $40 for each trip, and the client pays any remaining cost over $43.

          For example:

          • For a $10 trip, the client pays the $3 co-pay and the MBTA pays the rest.
          • For a $40 trip, the client pays the $3 co-pay and the MBTA pays the rest.
          • For a $50 trip, the client pays the $3 co-pay and the $7 above the $43 limit. The MBTA pays $40.

          For TRAC-scheduled trips with Flex providers, the client will be charged the regular RIDE fare and pay with their RIDE account. Clients cannot use RIDE account funds to pay for on-demand trips. Instead, the client must create an account with their selected provider. Both Uber and Lyft accept debit cards, credit cards, pre-paid cards, PayPal, and their own gift cards. Driver tips are not covered by the subsidy.

          Eligibility

          Current RIDE users can sign up for the RIDE Flex if they are not currently suspended and if their RIDE eligibility has not lapsed or is not set to expire within the next month. RIDE Flex is not offered to those receiving services under a 30-Day Medical Necessity approval. They may apply once they have been approved for ongoing services. Participation in The RIDE Flex has no impact on RIDE eligibility. Clients may participate in The RIDE Flex and also use standard The RIDE services.

          Application
          Interested clients can apply through the RIDE Flex website, or by  clicking here. The Application process takes about five minutes for customers to complete and a few days for the RIDE to process. 

          Reminder that previous On-Demand Paratransit Pilot participants need to re-enroll in the new program.

          For more information, email the RIDE pilot program at ridepilots@mbta.com or see the RIDE Flex website: https://www.mbta.com/accessibility/the-ride/on-demand-pilot.

      • More The RIDE Information
        • Riding the T: THE RIDE Paratransit Program – MBTA The RIDE website includes rights and responsibilities of drivers and riders, no-show policy, how long to wait for a late ride before calling, and more.
        • The Ride Guide – Patient Handout from The MBTA
        • Compliments/Complaints (from The Ride Guide):
          • To file a complaint: The Office for Transportation Access welcomes your feedback. All complaints will be investigated and responded to within 10 calendar days. Complaint information is shared with the Access Advisory Committee to the MBTA, unless otherwise requested when you file your complaint. Contact us:
            Email: theride@mbta.com
            800-533-6282 (in-state toll-free)
            617-222-5123 (voice/relay)
            Or write to:
            MBTA – OTA, THE RIDE
            Ten Park Plaza – 5750
            Boston, MA 02116
          • Complaints in the News: Complaints Rising at The Ride After New Call Center Opens, MGH Community News, June 2017.

      (The RIDE section reviewed 5/2/24)

        • Special Application/Process for Framingham & Natick Residents - Framingham & Natick are served by the MWRTA (NOT the MBTA) (see "The RIDE changes in MetroWest", MGH Community News, July/August 2009.)
          • FAQs for Framingham/Natick residents
          • For metro-west transportation only (not into Boston)- apply for the MW RIDE through the MWRTA
          • For transportation into Boston - apply for both the RIDE through the MBTA AND the MW RIDE through the MWRTA (see two MWRTA applications above)
            • If you have transportation to a MBTA RIDE service area from Framingham or Natick, you can apply for the MBTA RIDE (see above) and the MW RIDE simultaneously. If you can get your own transportation to a MBTA RIDE service area, the MBTA RIDE will take you to the eligibility center for your in-person assessment (or to a medical appointment if using the 30-day Medical Necessity) while you are awaiting approval from the MW RIDE.
            • If you do not have transportation to a MBTA RIDE service area from Framingham or Natick, you must apply for the MW RIDE before you can use the MBTA RIDE. Once you are approved for transportation through the MWRTA, the MW RIDE will provide transportation to a MBTA RIDE service area. You may then use the MBTA RIDE for a 30-day Medical Necessity or to get to your in-person assessment.
              Tip: The MWRTA has 21 days after they receive the application to alert the applicant of their decision. It may be a lengthy process if the applicant has to await approval from the MWRTA before completing the MBTA RIDE's in-person assessment or using the 30-day Medical Necessity.

     

      Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV)

       

      ID- Driver's Licences and State ID

      • Apply for a Massachusetts Identification Card (Mass ID)
        • RMV Contact Center: 857-368-8000; elder and disabled assistance line: 857-368-8005
        • 5/7/25 is the effective date of Real ID or passport requirement for air travel and entry to federal buildings

      • New! MA Work and Family Mobility Act - allows eligible residents to get a driver's license regardless of immigration status. Fact sheets available in multiple languages.

      • Agencies that help people apply for ID include:
        • Rosie's Place 
          The ID assistance program at Rosie's Place is run through their Advocacy Department. They can provide a $25 voucher to assist with costs, assistance in obtaining ID (including use of their address), and can help individuals obtain a copy of their birth certificate. Individuals can call (617) 442-9322 to schedule an appointment. 

        • Women's Lunch Place 
          Individuals can go to the Women's Lunch Place at 67 Newbury Street and ask for an advocate to help her to obtain a Mass ID; may offer a voucher to defray the cost. Unfortunately they are unable to help individuals obtain additional identity documents that may be needed to obtain an ID. Recommend arriving as early as possible as advocates’ schedules fill up quickly. They open at 7:00 am.

        • St. Francis House
          • 39 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116, 617-542-4211
          St. Francis House does not currently have the funding to help individuals cover the monetary costs of getting an ID. They can however assist individuals in the process of getting supporting documents such as a birth certificate. (8/20)


      Disabled parking plates and placards (RMV- Medical Affairs Bureau)

      • Information about disabled parking placards

      • Apply for disabled parking placard

      • REPLACE a lost or stolen placard:
        • Submit: Request for Replacement Placard
        • By mail – allow 20 days for processing:
          Send a police report or a notarized letter attesting that the placard was lost or stolen to:
          Registry of Motor Vehicles
          P.O. Box 55889
          Boston, MA 02205-5889
          Attn.: Medical Affairs Bureau

        • In person – immediate
          • Must go to the Boston Haymarket RMV (medical affairs bureau):
            136 Blackstone St
            Boston, MA 02109
            Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
          • Must sign an affidavit that the placard was lost or stolen.
        • More information: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/replace-your-disability-placard

      • RENEW Disabled Placards

        Placards issued for a period of (5) five years are considered to have a permanent status for disabled parking. Placard holders with a permanent status will receive a renewed placard, at the mailing address on record, approximately one month prior to the expiration of their current placard. Please be aware that you should begin using the new placard IMMEDIATELY. The former placard will be invalidated and its continued use is cause for citation.

        Placards issued for a period of (2) two to (24) twenty-four months are considered to be temporary and will require certification from your medical professional that the parking benefit needs to be extended or made permanent. A person may use our Application for Disabled Parking or may send a doctor's request (recently dated and written on the doctor's professional letterhead). The Doctor must include:

        1. Clinical diagnosis;
        2. Duration disabled parking is needed; and
        3. A statement whether the person:
          1. is medically qualified to operate a motor vehicle safely;
          2. should be evaluated by the Registry via a Road Competency Exam; or
          3. is not medically qualified to operate a motor vehicle safely.

        More Information: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/renew-your-disability-placard

        Source: http://www.massrmv.com/MedicalAffairs/DisabilityPlatesandPlacards/DisabledParkingFAQsforCustomers.aspx

      Driving - Safety- for information about driver safety evaluations, medical reporting, "taking away the keys" discussions, etc. see Driving - Safety on our Elder page

 

For Cancer Treatment

  • MGH cancer patients- For case-specific assistance and more options consult our Oncology Resource Specialist: via phone 617-724-0295 or via e-mail: Gardy Hyacinthe
  • Treatment Transport Program from Boston Cancer Support - new Lyft users can receive a code good for 5 rides, up to $10 each. Additional support may be available as funding allows.
  • Julie Fund Patient Transportation Program - Funds exhausted. Provides FREE transportation for cancer patients and a caregiver.
    • Eligibility: breast cancer and GYN cancer patients in active treatment. No financial eligibility or other eligibility criteria.
    • Covers anywhere in MA including care at our Waltham and Danvers sites
    • No limit on the number of rides.
    • When a patient schedules a ride through the QR code they will always receive two separate confirmation texts -  one for pick up and another for the trip home.
    • Flyer with QR code
    • Valid through December 2021.
  • Road to Recovery, or 1-800-227-2345, American Cancer Society. Volunteer drivers- note there are limited drivers willing to drive into Boston. (Not currently running during COVID)
  • See also: Local Resources

 

United Healthcare

United Healthcare offers transportation to health care appointments at no cost to its members. The program is managed by ModivCare (formerly LogistiCare).

How it works

  • United Healthcare members can use their transportation benefit for rides to and from medical appointments and to the pharmacy to pick-up prescriptions.
  • Schedule up to 24 one-way trips per year. (Patients report this limit does not apply to those 60 and over.)
  • Call ModivCare to schedule your ride. Your trip can be scheduled up to 30 days in advance, but must be made at least two days prior to your appointment for standard services.
  • A ModivCare representative will ask for some information, such as your name and address, UnitedHealthcare® member ID number and the address of your medical appointment or pharmacy. Please have this information ready when you call.

Gas reimbursement is also an option for those who have a friend or family member to drive to appointments.

- Thanks to Michael Padulsky for sharing this resource and patient experience. (1/22)

 

       

    • Traveler's Aid LIFT Program- This program ceased operation in 2012.
      - Helps those in the Boston area who are homeless, stranded, leaving the area, or looking to relocate to more stable housing.  See also Program Highlight, MGH Community News, November 2006.

 

Other Local Transportation & Related Information
  • Long-Distance Medical Shuttles - scroll down to Long-Distance Medical Shuttles (Mass.gov, Healthcare Transportation Resources)
  • Independent Transportation Network (iTN) Greater Boston - Greater Boston Office is Closed. As an alternative- they operate a website and hotline to find elder transportation: www.ridesinsight.org or call 1-855-607-4337, Monday - Friday, 8AM - 8PM Eastern Time.
    Using a mix of volunteer and paid drivers, the Independent Transportation Network (iTN Greater Boston) provides transportation for seniors (60 and over) and people with visual impairments in Boston and the western suburbs.  Members pay an annual membership fee plus the cost of the rides, though subsidies are available. If one sets rides up in advance, with enough use, the service is cheaper than a cab even for those who do not qualify for a subsidy. More information: Independent Transportation Network (iTN) Greater Boston, MGH Community News, June 2012.

  • Boston Senior Shuttle (617) 635-3000- free van service for Boston residents age 60 and over.
    • Requests at least three business days notice for scheduling shuttle rides. This service is first come, first serve. 
    • Hours:  Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm (last shuttle leaves MGH at 2:30).  
    • Important Tip:  Since appointments may run late or additional tests may be needed, it can be difficult to determine a return-trip pick-up time in advance. To avoid possibly being stranded at the hospital, we recommend that if you are eligible for The RIDE that you use it for your trip home. See The RIDE (above) for more information on how to apply and use that program.

  • Ride United Pilot program (Greater Boston and Springfield areas) - United Way offers free one-time Lyft ride for nonemergency medical care, access to public assistance programs and applications (e.g., applying for family shelter) and food needs (e.g., food pantries). Call United Way's MA 211 for eligiblity or to apply (Can't dial 211? Call 877-211-6277.) More information: Ride United - United Way Offers Free Lyft Rides, MGH Community News, November 2019.

  • Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket Transportation Resources
    • Martha's Vineyard
      • For cancer patients there is some limited transportation funding through the MV Cancer Support Group. Application and more information on the website. Contact: annemariedonahue54@icloud.com.
      • There’s also the Medivan from the VTA (the Martha’s Vineyard Regional Transit Authority) that goes from the Vineyard to major Boston Hospital every Tuesday for $30.00 round trip, appointments should be between 10:00 and 1:00 pm. Anyone who may have difficulty with payment can contact the Island Councils on Aging at 508-939-9440 or contact the VTA at 508-693-9440 for assistance.
      • Martha's Vineyard Transportation Access Program - All Martha’s Vineyard residents are eligible to apply for up to $750.00 annually in off-island travel assistance to medical/mental health appointments.  Requests over $750.00 will be reviewed on a case by case basis. The application requests information regarding other available transportation resources that have been applied for or utilized previously. Please take advantage of travel assistance through your insurance and other sources as this program is a payer of last resort. Allowable expenses that qualify under this program include: ferry tickets, bus transportation and hotel accommodations. This is not an inclusive list; if individuals have other unique needs (i.e. payment for a car service) please note that on the application. Travel tickets and cards for upcoming off-island travel are limited to a 3 month in the future time frame. Applications require proof of upcoming appointments.
    • Nantucket
      • Emergency Medical Travel Fund - Administered by Nantucket Food Fuel and Rental Assistance, the Emergency Medical Travel fund can assist patients with financial help for off-island travel for medical appointments. This fund will reimburse up to $250 for a day-trip to receive medical care, and up to $500 for a multiple-day trip. The maximum amount of assistance per household is $500 annually. There is an application to receive assistance, please contact assist@nffranantucket.org or 508-901-1320.
      • The Sailing Stork Fund - These funds can reimburse travel & lodging expenses incurred before, during and/or after delivery, for island families who are unable to deliver on Nantucket or whose newborns require treatment after delivery and must be flown to another hospital. A Doctor’s note is required to apply for funds, and should specify the date on which the Doctor has required a family to leave the island in preparation for delivery. (In case of emergency, the note can be written after delivery). Receipts must be submitted for reimbursement and Hospital Social Services will inform each family of their funding capacity upon submission of their first receipt. To access the Sailing Stork Fund, contact Social Services at 508-825-8196.
      • David Glidden Fund - Funding is available to individuals living with mental illness and their families who must travel for care, and can offer ferry Hyline tickets and reimbursement for taxis, car rental and hotel stays. There is an annual $2,000 cap per individual or family, which renews every year. An application is required to access these funds. Funding for this program is administered by NAMI on Nantucket, contact Suzanne Fronzuto at namionnantucket@gmail.com or (508) 332 9823.
      • Marla Ceely Lamb Cancer Travel Fund - The Marla Ceely Lamb Fund is a special fund to help defray the costs of transportation and lodging for patients who must travel off-island for cancer treatment. Thanks to the hard work of Marla’s family and friends, and to the generosity of the community, hundreds of people have received this financial assistance over the years. The fund is totally dependent upon donations. To receive assistance or to support the Fund with a donation, please call Palliative & Supportive Care of Nantucket (PASCON) at 508 825-8325, visit www.pascon.org, or email pascon@partners.org
      • Andrew Holdgate Fund- for Nantucket families with children needing treatment off-island. Discounted coupons from the airlines and the ferries are available in addition to transportation and lodging up to $750 per year.Emergency Medical Travel Fund. Administered by Nantucket Food Fuel and Rental Assistance, the Emergency Medical Travel fund can assist patients with financial help for off-island travel for medical appointments. This fund will reimburse up to $250 for a day-trip to receive medical care, and up to $500 for a multiple-day trip. The maximum amount of assistance per household is $500 annually. There is an application to receive assistance, please contact assist@nffranantucket.org or 508-901-1320.

  • For those visiting a loved one in the hospital or in a nursing home: Paul's Ride is a free service available to residents of Greater Boston (specifically Somerville, Cambridge, Malden, Medford, and Everett) who are over the age of 60 and/or have difficulty ambulating and cannot take public transportation. Call SCM Transportation to do an intake and schedule a ride at 617-625-1191. Rides are limited and based on availability.

  • New Hampshire: NH Volunteer Driving Program Map – please contact the program to find out if they drive to MA/Boston

 

Other Modes of Transportation

  • Bikes

    •  

  • Ride-Hailing Services (e.g., Uber, Lyft)
    • For Cancer Patients:
      • Treatment Transport Program from Boston Cancer Support - new Lyft users can receive a code good for 5 rides, up to $10 each. Additional support may be available as funding allows. (December 2016 MGH Community News article- includes Executive Director's contact info)
      • ACS Ride Health Program- patients who live in Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, Middlesex, Bristol or Plymouth counties may be eligible for free transportation via Uber to cancer treatment if no other transportation is available.
    • MBTA The RIDE Pilots On-Demand Program with Uber and Lyft - a year-long pilot program in which Boston area The RIDE riders can choose to get service from Uber or Lyft if accepted into the On-Demand Paratransit Pilot Program. Learn more.
    • Lyft and Mass 2-1-1 are Partnering to Offer One-Time Transportation Assistance- Mass 2-1-1 Information & Referral Specialists will be able to dispatch a free Lyft ride for a caller who meets certain specific eligibility requirements and for whom no other local resource is available. Rides will be used to help callers get to and from a medical appointment or other healthcare location, for job interviews and other employment needs, and for veterans’ services. This pilot effort will last through the end of November 2018 with the possibility of expansion in 2019. Learn more.
    • In March 2018, Uber announced that it's teaming up with health care organizations to provide transportation for patients going to and from medical appointments. The rides can be scheduled for patients through doctor's offices, and they can be booked for immediate pickup or up to 30 days in advance. That means patients without a smartphone — who wouldn't be able to use Uber otherwise — can become Uber customers. The service will be rolled out to health care organizations gradually. Learn more.
    • In April 2019, the MBTA announced a new one-year pilot program to increase the number of wheelchair-accessible vehicles that ride-hail companies have for passengers who use the Ride. The state’s new plan is to pay Uber and Lyft $24 for each hour a wheelchair-accessible vehicle is in service. For more information, see Uber/Lyft Fees Will Help Increase Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicles- MGH Community News, April 2019.

    • Ride-Hailing in the News:

    •  

    Long-Distance Travel

     

      • Air Transportation


        •   Patient Handouts from the CRC

         

        • Southwest Airlines Medical Grant Program - 2024  (MGH Social Service only)

          • To ensure equity and that passes issued are used, passes are issued for one visit at a time. The 2024 annual limit: 6 round trips per family, per FISCAL year - starting in 2023 the Southwest fiscal year will end August 31 and begin a new year on September 1.  Extenuating circumstances or need more? Ask- we may have flexibility as supplies allow. Please contact your resource specialist or Ellen Forman to discuss.

          Sections:

          1. Guidelines
          2. FORM - 2024 passes are now available for use until 9/1/24, and release of information and other Logistics

           

          Southwest e-passes Description and Guidelines in BRIEF

            More on our Southwest Details page

            This program provides free, round-trip air travel for medical treatment at MGH, and to caregivers to provide support to those undergoing treatment.

            • To qualify, the patient must have ALREADY BEGUN TREATMENT at MGH.   (More on avoiding "inducement")
            • Appropriate and Inappropriate Uses
              • Appropriate uses of the program include enabling:
                • treatment at MGH and/or
                • loved-ones to provide caregiving tasks, emotional support, decision-making assistance, etc.
              • The following are NOT appropriate uses of this program (More on Inappropriate uses)
                • Relocation
                • Discharge only
                • Travel for funeral, memorial service, etc.
                • Treatment at another facility (See alternatives)
            • Financial criteria - social worker's discretion. (More on financial criteria)
            • Passengers must be able to get to an airport served by Southwest.
            • Patients must be Medically Stable (More on the definition of medically stable)
            • Number of Passes- 6 round-trips (12 e-passes) per family per FISCAL year (through 9/1/24). Extenuating circumstances or need more? Ask- we may have flexibility as supplies allow. Please contact your resource specialist or Ellen Forman to discuss.
            • To ensure equity and that passes issued are used, passes are issued for one visit at a time.
            • Detailed Guidelines

           

          Southwest Logistics

            • Reminders:

             

            • APPLICATION FORM & Instructions
              • Important: 2024 passes are now available for use until 9/1/24
              • Paper version rev 9/23 (Print and fill) OR
              • Online Fillable version (requires signature) rev 9/23
                • Must be requested by an MGH Social Service Department social worker.
                • Submit form to your Community Resource Specialist.
                • Referrals accepted during normal business hours.
                • (More on completing the form)

            • Using e-passes
              • If we will be e-mailing e-passes- please inform passengers that they will receive an encrypted e-mail and it may be from Partners Healthcare or Mass General Brigham; they will need to register to open it. Most regular computer users will be able to register unassisted, but instructions are available at: http://helpdeskselfservice.partners.org/email/content/opensecureemail.pdf
              • Passenger Handout - e-pass Award Certificate - community resource specialists enter the e-pass number into an e-pass Award Certificate document and then give to staff/patient as directed in the application form.
                • Passenger instructions and phone number to make reservations are in the Award Certificate (rev 1/22)
        • Amtrak Downeaster Discounts-The "Downeaster" train originates in Maine with stops in New Hampshire and Mass. (See station stops ).
          • For Cancer Patients - The Amtrak Downeaster has partnered with the American Cancer Society to offer a significant discount for medical travel, allowing one patient and one companion to travel for $12 one-way or $24 round-trip per person. Offer valid on all trains Monday through Friday. Travel must originate in Maine and terminate in Woburn or Boston ONLY. You must contact Amtrak and reference valid coupon code to receive this discount.
            • Call American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 for more details and coupon code; then call Amtrak to make your reservation. Amtrak: TraintoMaine.com or 800-USA-RAIL.
            • Printable instructions for patients ("coupon"- but does not contain coupon code; still must call for code.)
          • For Seniors - Age 62 and older, 1/2 price tickets (subject to availability). See website for details and to make reservations.

        • International Travel Assistance- TeamAid.org - provides emergency (non-medical) assistance to people traveling or living abroad that face unexpected life altering situations such as accidents, sudden deaths, or severe illnesses. Team Aid evaluates each situation individually. 
          • Individuals looking for assistance can submit a form at: https://teamaid.org/needhelp or, if urgent, call a coordinator at (844) 611-8326. 
          • Examples of help provided: arranging cost effective, religious, dignified cremations and burials. Coordinating with family, friends, hospitals, funeral homes, airlines, embassies, and the local community. Financial support when it is needed.

        • Non-Emergent Medical Transport (Private-pay)- MGH Community News, November 2012
          Provides non-emergency medical transportation for long-distance travel. Each vehicle is equipped with a hospital bed, supplies, and a nurse on board. These services are private pay and not covered by insurance. Sampling of companies that offer this service:

          •  

        • Logan Airport Medical Patient Assistance Program (LAMPAP) - This Massport program was created to alleviate the arrival and departure-related stress of traveling through Boston Logan for passengers and their companions who come to Boston for medical assistance. For more information, see LAMPAP- MGH Community News, January 2019.

       

      MGH Resources

        • MGH Shuttle schedules:  www.partners.org/shuttle_schedules.aspx
          • Note: Campus loop shuttle is available by request. Contact the Transportation Department at 617-726-2250 for all shuttle inquiries.

           

        • MGH Imaging Van:  Operates Monday - Friday from 7:30am - 4:30pm. Takes patients round-trip between MGH WACC (the only MGH shuttle currently at this location) and MGH Imaging in Chelsea. Free; by appointment. Call Chelsea Health Center directly to schedule the Imaging Van (617-887-3500). The driver receives his schedule daily from Chelsea.  Advance notice is strongly suggested, but the van may be able to accommodate with at least 30 minutes notice before a scheduled scan.

        • MGH-Cooley Dickinson Shuttle (Pilot)- Northampton - As of 4/9/18 departs daily from Cooley Dickinson’s 8 Atwood Drive location at 6:30 am. The van will drop off at MGH Wang entrance. The van will leave Mass General for Northampton at 3 pm. The shuttle runs Monday through Friday; it is not available on major holidays. The service, which is a pilot program, is open to Pioneer Valley residents. There is no cost to ride the shuttle, but reservations are required- call 888-554-4CDH (4234). Reservations should be made at least 24 hours in advance and children ages 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult. 12-passenger van, equipped with wi-fi. To learn more please visit cooleymghshuttle.org.

        • Taxi Vouchers - Emergency Dept Policy

         

    Page revised 6/16