Medica Administrative Manual >Supplementary Contracting and Regulatory Requirements > Special Transportation
Special Transportation
The following rules apply to providers of special transportation for members in Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP). Medicare Advantage plans that have transportation benefits either as a special supplemental benefits for the chronically ill (SSBCI) or mandatory supplemental benefit are subject to the provisions of the provider contract and not the requirements below. For specific benefit information, contact Medica Provider Service Center at 1 (800) 458-5512.
Special transportation is the non-emergency transport of a member with a physical or mental impairment. Physical or mental impairment includes a physiological disorder, physical condition, or mental disorder that prohibits access to, or safe use of, common carrier transportation.
Coverage of special transportation is a limited benefit for Medica Health Care Programs (MHCP) members. Members may access special transportation services if it is a described benefit of their plan. Only services covered by a member’s plan or for services that have received prior authorization from Medica will be covered.
A member may qualify for special transportation services if:
1) They are unable to use a common carrier such as a bus, taxicab, private automobile, or other commercial carrier.
2) Do not require ambulance service. Ambulance service includes the transport of a member whose medical condition or diagnosis requires medically necessary services before and during transport.
MHCP members have access to special transportation services as outlined in their benefits, which you can find on our Product Information page.
MHCP product information
How to Receive Special Transportation Services
An approved Certification of Need Form is required before a member can receive and be reimbursed for any special transportation services.
The following health care providers directing the healthcare of the member may complete and submit the form:
- Attending Physician (MD)
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
- Physician Assistant (PA)(PAC)
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
- Nurse Practioner (NP)
- Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
- Physician Extender
- Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
- Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
- Licensed Psychologist (LP)
- Mental Health Rehabilitative Professional
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Psychiatrist or Tribal Certified Professional
Note: Care Coordinators working on behalf of Medica may not complete the provider Certification of Need online form.
Skilled Nursing Facilities
Special transportation that begins or ends in a Skilled Nursing Facility is exempt from the Certification of Need Requirement. The Certification of Need is not required for members who are residents in a Skilled Nursing Facility or for members being discharged from a hospital to a Skilled Nursing Facility.
Assisted Living Facilities
A completed Certification of Need form is required for members who are residents of an Assisted Living Facility or living in a community that meets a skilled nursing facility level of care.
Special Transportation Form
Questions about Special Transportation
Healthcare providers with questions should contact the Medica Provider Service Center at 1 (800) 458-5512.
Medica members and member representatives should call the Customer Service number located on the back of their member ID card.
REV 2/2023