Medical Assistance/HealthChoice Transportation Program

Mission

To provide transportation services for Howard County residents who are Medical Assistance/HealthChoice recipients, to medical providers who accept Medical Assistance/HealthChoice. All active Medical Assistance/HealthChoice clients who reside in Howard County and are in need of ambulatory/wheelchair non-emergency transportation may use AAA Transport.

Participation Regulations

The transportation program provides safety-net transport services to Medical Assistance/HealthChoice Program recipients who are Howard County residents.

Transportation can be provided to Medical Assistance/Health Choice Program recipients who have no other means of transportation available. Medical Assistance/Health Choice is the last means of transportation.

Proper screening for other transportation resources includes, but is not limited to:

• Whether a member of the household owns a vehicle.

• Availability of vehicles owned by friends or relatives not in household.

• Availability of a volunteer from public/private agencies.

• Whether a client can reschedule an appointment to a time when transportation would be available.

• Availability of transportation services provided for free by any other city, county, or state agency programs.

A minor (child under the age of 18) who needs to go to a medical appointment must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to be transported by the HCHD Transportation Program. No minor may travel without adult supervision.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Call 1-800-577-1050 to make an appointment between the business hours of 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. No less than 24 business hours in advance.

All new customers will be subject to a screening process to determine eligibility for Medical Assistance/HealthChoice transportation services.

Transportation arrangements MUST be made at least 24 business hours in advance- no exceptions.

Everytime you schedule a ride, you will need to give the call-taker information regarding the ride. This information includes, but is not limited to:

• Your full name and Medical Assistance/HealthChoice number.

• Provider/clinic name, phone number, and address.

• Date and time of appointment.

• Approximate duration of appointment.

• Date and time of appointment.

• Do you need a child safety seat? If yes, you must let the call takers know that a seat is needed.

What time will I be picked up for my appointment?

The hours of transport are 5:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

May my children accompany me to my appointment?

No. Transportation will only be provided to the eligible person for whom the appointment is made. If the appointment is for a child, his/her parent or legal guardian may accompany them.

Client reponsibility:

• Be ready and on time for your appointment. The transportation service will not wait for you.

• Do not smoke, drink or eat in the vehicle.

• Be courteous. Rudeness or use of profanity may disqualify you from the transportation service.

For questions or concerns:

Contact Twila Session, Transportation Coordinator for the Howard County Health Department at (410) 313-6300 or matransport@howardcountymd.gov with any questions or concerns.

The list of Medical Assistance/HealthChoice Transportation rules is not all-inclusive, but an attempt to answer the most frequently asked questions. A complete listing of rules may be found in Title 10 of the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). These rules are subject to change without notice.