Transportation

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Emergency

Your condition is a medical emergency when your life, body parts or bodily functions are at risk of damage or loss unless immediate care is received. In cases of emergency (in a life-threatening situation) call 911. Taxis will not transport you to the emergency room.

Medically Necessary Non-Emergency Transportation (NEMT)

AHCCCS covers NEMT to or from the closest appropriate AHCCCS registered provider when a member is not able to find his/her own transportation.

For members living in Maricopa and Pima Counties:

  • NEMT services to and from a pharmacy are only covered for trips within 15 miles of the pick-up location, except for trips to (1) compounding or specialty pharmacies and (2) pharmacies in an MSIC or IHS/638 facilities. 
  • The 15-miles is calculated from the pick-up location to the drop-off location, for one direction.
  • Trips to compounding or specialty pharmacies over 15 miles may be covered if your health plan gives prior authorization for the transportation.
  • Trips to a pharmacy in an MSIC or IHS/638 facility, can go over 15 miles without getting a prior authorization from your health plan.
  • The 15-mile distance does not apply to members who do not live in Maricopa or Pima County.

If you need a ride to an appointment, ask a friend, family member or neighbor first. If you cannot get a ride we can help you.

Call our Customer Care Center at least 72 hours before your scheduled visit. Same day transports may not always be available due to the number of transportation vehicles in all counties.

On weekends and holidays, you can call our Customer Care Center for taxi rides to urgent care centers when you are sick. Always remember to dial 911 if it is a medical emergency.

Car Seat, Wheelchair, or Stretcher

If you have the need for a wheelchair accessible vehicle or have stretcher needs for your ride to a routine doctor's visit, please be sure to mention that when arranging a ride. You must call our Customer Care Center at least 72 hours before your appointment date.

Children, Companions, or Escorts

B – UFC/ALTCS allows the member and one more passenger per transport. More than one more passenger is allowed if that person is a minor under the care and supervision of the Member or has a medical condition. If the member is a single caregiver with more than one minor child in his/her care, B – UFC/ALTCS allows the additional minor children to be transported. Please be sure to call 72 hours or more in advance if car seats are needed for the additional passengers. Not all taxis can accommodate more than 3 passengers.

Scheduling Transportation

If you call to get a ride to a medical appointment, please be ready to tell the representative the following:

  • Your name, AHCCCS ID number, date of birth, address, phone number (for verification purposes)
  • The date, time, and address of your medical visit
  • If you need a ride one way or a round trip
  • Your travel needs (wheelchair, stretcher, or other)
  • Any special needs (oxygen, IVs, someone who needs to travel with you, an extra-wide or electric wheelchair, a high-top vehicle, etc.)
  • Children under the age of 5 must have a car seat

Canceling Rides to Your Appointments

If you cancel your doctor or dentist visit, you must also call our Customer Care Center; to cancel your ride to your visit.