In short:
- Most Medicaid rides in Brooklyn and Queens are booked through Medical Answering Services (MAS) at 844-666-6270, or online at medanswering.com.
- Some managed care plans use a different vendor, like MTM, check your card first.
- Rideshare (like Uber) sometimes counts, but only if your specific plan has that arrangement, don’t assume and book on your own.
- Book at least 72 hours ahead, and request the return ride in the same call.
- If you’re not sure who to call, our front desk can help point you in the right direction.
Booking a ride is simpler than it sounds once you know who to actually call. Here’s the short version, step by step.
Step 1: Check who manages your ride
Most Medicaid members in Brooklyn and Queens use Medical Answering Services (MAS), the state’s contracted transportation broker. But some Medicaid managed care plans (certain Fidelis, Healthfirst, MetroPlus, or Amerigroup plans, for example) use a different vendor, like MTM (Medical Transportation Management), instead. Check the back of your Medicaid or plan card, or call and ask, before assuming which one applies to you.
Step 2: Call or book online
If MAS manages your ride: call 844-666-6270 (Brooklyn/Queens region), or create an account at medanswering.com to book online.
If MTM manages your ride: the scheduling number is on your plan’s member materials or ID card.
Either way, have your appointment date, time, and our address ready (Red Hook or Astoria, depending on which day you’re seeing Nicole).
Step 3: Confirm the return trip
Don’t leave this for later. Book both legs, there and back, in the same call. It’s easy to forget once you’re focused on the appointment itself.
Step 4: Know your notice window
Most bookings need at least 72 hours’ notice. If your appointment is sooner than that, call anyway, same-day or urgent requests are sometimes accommodated, but they’re not guaranteed the way a properly scheduled ride is.
What about Uber?
Some Medicaid managed care plans partner with rideshare services for eligible members, but this isn’t universal. If you book an Uber on your own expecting Medicaid to reimburse you after the fact, that usually doesn’t work, the ride needs to be arranged through your plan’s approved process ahead of time, not requested for reimbursement afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Uber work with Medicaid?
Some plans partner with rideshare services like Uber Health for eligible members, but it’s not automatic. Confirm with your specific plan whether rideshare is an approved option, and always book through the approved process, not on your own expecting reimbursement.
How do I schedule a ride with MTM transportation?
If your Medicaid managed care plan uses MTM (Medical Transportation Management), the scheduling number is on your plan’s member materials or ID card. Call ahead of your appointment, ideally with at least a few business days’ notice, same as any other transportation broker.
How far in advance do I need to book my ride?
Most brokers, including MAS, ask for at least 72 hours’ notice. Same-day requests are sometimes possible for urgent situations but aren’t guaranteed the way a properly scheduled ride is.
What if I don’t know which transportation company manages my plan?
Check the back of your Medicaid or plan ID card, it’s often listed there. If you’re not sure, call the member services number on your card, or ask our front desk, we can help point you in the right direction.
Can I book a ride for myself and a caregiver?
This depends on your specific plan and situation. Some plans allow an attendant or caregiver to accompany you if there’s a documented medical need. Ask when you call to book, don’t assume either way.
