HEALTHmattersMD

Welcome to the HEALTHmattersMD blog—an online resource where providers can find the latest news and updates about HPSM. Top stories are highlighted with images, and you can find more stories listed under them. To read a story, just click the headline or the "Read more" link. In the side menu, you can also select articles by topic or see our newsletter archive and provider notices.

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No-Cost Healthcare Transportation for HPSM Members

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No-Cost Healthcare Transportation for HPSM Members

DON'T LOSE YOUR MEDI-CAL

No-Cost Healthcare Transportation for HPSM Members

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No-Cost Healthcare Transportation for HPSM Members

Medi-Cal and CareAdvantage members who have no means of transportation to approved healthcare visits can use HPSM’s Ride Benefit at no cost

  • Approved healthcare visits include medical, dental, mental health and substance use disorder appointments covered under Medi-Cal, as well as pharmacy visits. Plus, effective January 1, 2025, CareAdvantage members now get 12 one-way rides per month to the YMCA as part of HPSM’s Fitness Membership Program
  • The benefit does not cover trips to non-healthcare locations (such as schools, government offices and grocery stores). 

HPSM members can schedule rides by calling our vendor, American Logistics  (AL). Providers can also request rides for members.

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) is also covered

NEMT is specifically for members who require a litter, gurney or wheelchair van for transportation. 

  • Like the Ride Benefit, it is for medically necessary services covered by Medi-Cal (including picking up prescriptions authorized by Medi-Cal Rx at the pharmacy). 
  • Unlike the Ride Benefit, NEMT must be prescribed in writing by a physician, dentist, podiatrist, mental health provider, substance use disorder provider or physician extender in order for members to get transportation.

See our updated and streamlined HPSM Ride Benefit microsite to learn more about these transportation services. If you need more information, email transportationprogram@hpsm.org.