In short:
- NY Medicaid covers non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to pain management appointments, at no cost to you.
- In Brooklyn and Queens, the state’s transportation broker is Medical Answering Services (MAS). Call 844-666-6270, or book online at medanswering.com.
- Call at least 72 hours (3 days) before your appointment. Have your Medicaid CIN (the ID number on your card) ready.
- Covered ride types include public transit, taxi/livery, ambulette, ambulance, and mileage reimbursement if someone drives you.
- If you’re in a Medicaid managed care plan, check your card first, some plans route rides through their own vendor instead of MAS.
- Rockwell Pain Management’s front desk can help you figure out who to call and what to say.
Yes, if you have Medicaid in New York, your plan covers rides to and from your pain management appointments, at no cost, with no annual limit and no copay. This benefit is called NEMT (Non-Emergency Medical Transportation), and most patients don’t know it exists until they need it.
Missing appointments because you don’t have a ride is common, and it’s completely avoidable. If getting to Red Hook or Astoria has been the thing standing between you and treatment, this is for you.
Who actually runs Medicaid transportation in Brooklyn and Queens
New York State contracts with a company called Medical Answering Services (MAS) to schedule, manage, and review Medicaid transportation across the state. For Brooklyn (Kings County) and Queens, that’s the “Downstate” region, and the number is:
844-666-6270
MAS also runs an online booking option at medanswering.com, where you can create an account and schedule trips without calling. Both options work the same way, they just fit different people’s preferences.
If you’re in a Medicaid managed care plan (Fidelis, Healthfirst, MetroPlus, Affinity, Amerigroup, and similar), check the back of your Medicaid or plan card first. Some managed care plans route transportation through their own vendor instead of MAS. If you’re not sure which applies to you, call MAS, they can tell you or redirect you to the right number.
What’s covered
The state matches the ride to your medical need, not the other way around. Covered options include:
| Ride type | When it’s used |
|---|---|
| Public transit (MetroCard/reimbursement) | You’re able to travel independently by bus or subway |
| Taxi or livery (car service) | Standard option for most ambulatory patients |
| Ambulette | You need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle or assistance getting in/out |
| Ambulance (ALS/BLS) | Rare for pain management visits, reserved for higher medical need |
| Personal vehicle mileage reimbursement | A friend or family member drives you |
There’s no cost, no copay, and no annual trip limit for covered medical appointments, including pain management. The state does not cover rides to non-medical stops like the pharmacy or grocery store on the same trip, so plan those separately.
How to book a ride, step by step
- Confirm your appointment with us first. Whether you’re seeing Nicole in Red Hook (Wednesdays) or Astoria (Tuesdays), have your exact date, time, and location before you call.
- Call MAS at 844-666-6270, or book online at medanswering.com, at least 72 hours before your appointment. Same-week appointments can be tight, so book as soon as your visit is confirmed, not the day before.
- Have your Medicaid CIN ready. This is the identification number on your Medicaid card, they’ll ask for it to pull up your case.
- Request the return trip in the same call. Don’t wait until you’re in the waiting room to think about getting home, book both legs up front.
- Confirm the pickup window. Rides don’t always arrive at the exact minute you requested, ask what window to expect so you’re not caught off guard.
Common mistakes that cause missed rides
- Booking too late. MAS asks for 72 hours’ notice. Calling the day before or the morning of often means no ride is available.
- Forgetting the return trip. A one-way booking leaves you stranded after your visit.
- Not having your CIN on hand. Without it, the call takes longer and can get delayed.
- Assuming rideshare is automatically covered. Some plans partner with services like Uber Health, but it’s not universal, confirm with your specific plan before assuming it applies to you.
We can help. If any of this feels like a lot to manage on top of dealing with pain, our front desk can walk you through it when you book your visit. Call us and ask, we deal with this regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicaid pay for non-emergency transportation?
Yes. New York Medicaid covers non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to and from covered medical appointments, including pain management visits, at no cost to the member.
How do I get Medicaid transportation in NY?
In Brooklyn and Queens, call Medical Answering Services (MAS) at 844-666-6270, or book online at medanswering.com, at least 72 hours before your appointment. If you’re in a Medicaid managed care plan, check your card first, some plans use their own transportation vendor instead of MAS.
What are the options for NEMT in NYC?
Depending on your medical need, options include public transit reimbursement, taxi or livery service, ambulette for wheelchair-accessible needs, ambulance for higher-acuity cases, and mileage reimbursement if a friend or family member drives you.
Does Uber work with Medicaid?
Some Medicaid managed care plans partner with rideshare services like Uber Health for eligible members, but it’s not automatic or universal. Confirm with your specific plan whether rideshare is an approved option before booking one and expecting reimbursement.
How do you qualify for Medicaid transportation?
You qualify if you have an active Medicaid case and a covered medical appointment, like a pain management visit, without another way to get there. Standard car service for ambulatory patients generally doesn’t require extra paperwork; higher-need ride types like an ambulette may ask for documentation of medical necessity.
What is the phone number for NYS Medicaid transportation?
For Brooklyn and Queens (the Downstate region), call Medical Answering Services at 844-666-6270. New York uses regional numbers, so if you or a family member live elsewhere in the state, the number may differ, MAS’s website lists all regions.
How do I schedule a ride with MTM transportation?
MTM (Medical Transportation Management) manages rides for some Medicaid managed care plans outside of the MAS system. If your plan uses MTM, the scheduling number is on your plan’s member materials or ID card. If you’re unsure which broker handles your plan, MAS can help point you in the right direction.
Is there a cost to me for Medicaid transportation?
No. Covered NEMT trips have no cost, no copay, and no annual trip limit for the member.
