Severe Weather Alert ¡Alerta de clima severo!

ALERT: Severe weather is heading to our area, and we want to be sure that you and your family are prepared. We will continue to share updates with important resources as they become available. Learn more

Se acerca un clima severo a nuestra área y queremos asegurarnos de que tú y tu familia estén preparados. Continuaremos compartiendo actualizaciones con recursos importantes a medida que estén disponibles. Más información

Cold and flu season Temporada de influenza y resfriados

ALERT: Stay healthy this cold and flu season! Learn more

ALERTA: ¡Mantente sano durante esta temporada de influenza y resfriados! Más información

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Do you need a ride to the doctor? Don’t worry, we can help you!

Texas Children’s Health Plan is partnered with Medicaid Transport Management (MTM) to provide our members with transportation services at no cost to a doctor’s appointment, a dental visit and/or the pharmacy. In addition, transportation services are provided for qualifying classes or events sponsored by the health plan as part of our Healthy Rewards Program.

Who can get a ride?

Members that need to go to a medical appointment, a dental visit, the pharmacy or attend a Texas Children’s Health Plan-sponsored class or event and have no other way of getting there.

Our CHIP members can also take advantage of our transportation services through the Healthy Rewards Program.

  • Transportation can be provided to and from verified medical/behavioral health appointments, the pharmacy and qualifying Texas Children’s Health Plan-sponsored classes or events. Click here to learn more about the Healthy Rewards Program.

PLEASE NOTE: We want your ride to be enjoyable and safe.

  • Always be ready on time for the pickup and always call to cancel a scheduled ride if you do not need one anymore.
  • Passengers are responsible for providing and installing law-required child restraint systems. The ride will not be completed if you do not adhere to Texas law.
  • Remember, the driver can only give you a ride to an approved medical location and back home.

How do I schedule a ride?

By Phone:

Members must schedule a ride with Texas Children’s Transportation Line over the phone if you are requesting it for the first time or going to a new location. Call the following numbers to schedule your ride Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

  • 346-232-4130 (local)
  • 888-401-0170 (toll-free)
  • 800-735-2989 (TYY line for hearing impairment)
  • *interpreter services are available

PLEASE NOTE:

  • Call at least two (2) business days before your scheduled appointment within your service area.
  • Call at least five (5) business days before your scheduled appointment for health-related services outside your service area.

MTM Link Mobile App:

You can also schedule a ride directly through the MTM Link mobile app. This new tool lets you book new rides, review existing rides, make changes to rides, and cancel rides. This gives you more control over your transportation! Please watch the video below for instructions on how to download and use the mobile app:

 

Who can be transported during an NEMT trip?

In addition to the member, and/or the legally authorized representative, anyone can be part of the trip. Simply notify MTM in advance and be sure to bring a car seat(s) if they are needed.

Do I need to give any information when I schedule my ride?

Yes! Be ready to share the following information with Texas Children’s Transportation and/or MTM:

  • Member ID number.
  • Details of the trip (provider name and address; appointment date, time and address; number of attendants; type of vehicle needed, etc.)

Can you provide a special vehicle for my ride?

Depending on your needs, rides might include wheelchair-lift-equipped vehicles, stretcher vans, mini vans or ambulatory vans. Members can request these vehicles on a space-available basis. Make sure to tell Texas Children’s Transportation Line what type of ride you need in advance.

PLEASE NOTE:

The member may not request a specific make or model of vehicle. The type of vehicle and mode of transportation will be determined by MTM, including public transportation when appropriate.

Texas Children’s Transportation and/or MTM will determine the type of ride you need and work with you to coordinate it. These include:

  • Cars, vans and/or taxis.
  • Mass transit.
  • You can schedule your ride with MTM by calling Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. CT.
  • If you have scheduled your ride and would like to check the arrival time on the day of your appointment, you may call:
    • 346-232-4130 (local)
    • 888-401-0170 (toll free)
    • 800-735-2989 (TYY line for hearing impairment) *Interpreter service is available.
  • Call at least two (2) business days before your scheduled appointment within your service area. Example: If you have a doctor’s appointment on a Monday, you must submit your request by Thursday the week before.
  • Call at least five (5) business days before your scheduled appointment for health-related services outside your service area. Example: If you have a doctor’s appointment on a Monday, you must submit your request by Tuesday the week before.
  • The driver should pick up the member within one (1) hour of requesting the return trip.
  • You may call the MTM phone numbers listed above if you would like to check the arrival time.

 

Drivers wait for 10 minutes before leaving.

  • Yes, children 15-17 years old can ride without a parent or guardian, as long as they provide a signed Parental Consent Form.
  • Children 14 years old or younger must ride with a parent, guardian, or attendant at all times. If the attendant for a child 14 or under is not a parent or guardian, a Parental Accompaniment Form must be on file.
  • Emancipated teens can ride without an adult.
  • For help with travel expenses related to getting to your medical appointment such as meals, lodging, mileage reimbursement, etc. STAR and STAR Kids members under the age of 20 may be eligible for our Advanced Funds program. 
  • If you are eligible, you will receive a pre-paid debit card with money for your approved expenses.  To determine if you are eligible for the Advanced Funds program, please call MTM at (888) 401-0170, Monday–Friday from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. CT.
  • *Advanced Funds program is not a covered benefit for CHIP members.

Yes.  You can do this by calling or writing within 60 days of the date of your denial letter. You may call (346) 232-4130 or Toll Free at (888) 401-0170 or mail a letter stating that you disagree with our decision.

You may mail appeals to:

Texas Children’s Health Plan
6330 West Loop South, Suite 800
Bellaire, Texas 77401

You may call the office of the Inspector General at 1-800-436-6184 to make a report. You may also visit their website to make a report. Lastly, you may call the State Auditor’s Office at 800-892-8348 or report the issue online.

ITP services reimburse a member or their family member, friend, or neighbor for the mileage incurred as a result of driving the member to a covered health care service.

Learn more