OMAP Announcement 04-07-2020-03

AUDIENCE: All Users of the Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP)

PURPOSE:

This is to notify you that during the period of the Governor’s emergency disaster announcement related to the COVID-19 coronavirus, the use of MATP will be limited, since many routine visits are not urgent, and elective procedures are currently prohibited in certain medical facilities under orders issued on March 19, 2020 from the Governor and Secretary of Health.

DISCUSSION:

If you have a scheduled appointment that has not yet been cancelled, contact your medical provider to see if the appointment is necessary. You should tell your medical provider if you or anyone in your household have any of the following:

1. A fever higher than 100.0 degrees or new respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat;

2. Had contact (either live with or have been within six feet of for a ten to thirty-minute period) with a person with COVID-19 in the past 14 days; or,

3. Been diagnosed with COVID-19 or told by a medical provider that they may or do have COVID-19.

If your medical provider tells you to come in and you call to arrange transportation, you will be asked these same questions. Depending on how you answer these questions, you may not be allowed to use MATP. The transportation provider will advise you on what to do in this situation. If you are allowed to use MATP, you must wear a face mask during the MATP ride. Please refer to the Department of Health’s website for guidance about face masks.

Another option for MATP transportation is to transport yourself to your medical appointment. If you have a working vehicle and can drive, you can be reimbursed for mileage, tolls and parking expenses. If you are not already registered and are interested in the mileage reimbursement program, please call your transportation provider to do so.

Your transportation provider will go over the policies and procedures of the program when you call to register. There are a couple important things to remember and note. You must call your MATP agency in advance of an appointment and complete all required forms.

To avoid a delay or possibly not receiving mileage reimbursement, please follow all policies and procedures, including submitting all toll and parking receipts in a timely manner.

Effective April 1, 2020 and continuing through the Coronavirus emergency declaration only, the mileage reimbursement rate increased to $0.25 per mile. You do not need to do anything at this time to receive the increased rate if you travel to a Medicaid covered medical service during the emergency declaration period. As mentioned above, you are encouraged to contact your healthcare provider prior to traveling if not for an urgent condition.

As a reminder, this rate is temporary and only continues during the emergency declaration. The rate will return to the established rate of $0.12 per mile after the declaration has ended.

Please let your county MATP agency know if you have any questions.

In the meantime, please visit the PA Department of Health’s dedicated webpage for the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19.