N.M. Admin. Code § 8.324.7.12 - COVERED SERVICES AND SERVICE LIMITATIONS

MAD reimburses a transportation provider for transportation only when the transport is of a MAP eligible recipient and is subject to the following conditions.

A. Free alternatives: Alternative transportation services that can be provided free of charge include volunteers, relatives or transportation services provided by nursing facilities (NF) or other residential centers.

B. Least costly alternatives: MAD covers the most appropriate and least costly transportation alternatives suitable for the MAP eligible recipient's medical or behavioral health condition. If a MAP eligible recipient can use a private vehicle or public transportation, those alternatives must be used before a MAP eligible recipient can use more expensive transportation alternatives.

C. Non-emergency transportation service: MAD covers non-emergency transportation services for a MAP eligible recipient who has no primary transportation and who is unable to access a less costly form of public transportation except as described under non-covered services. See 8.324.7.13 NMAC.

D. Long distance common carriers: MAD covers long distance services furnished by a common carrier if a MAP eligible recipient must leave his or her home community to receive medical or behavioral health services. Authorization forms for direct payment to long distance bus common carriers by MAD are available through local county income support division (ISD) offices.

E. Ground ambulance services: MAD covers services provided by ground ambulances when:

(1) an emergency that requires ambulance service is certified by a physician or is documented in the provider's records as meeting emergency medical necessity criteria: terms are defined as follows:

(a) "emergency" is defined as a medical or behavioral health condition manifesting itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that a prudent layperson, who possesses an average knowledge of health and medicine could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in placing the health of the MAP eligible recipient (or with respect to a pregnant woman, the health of the woman or her unborn child) in serious jeopardy, serious impairment to body function or serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part;

(b) "medical necessity" is established for ambulance services if the MAP eligible recipient's physical, or behavioral health condition is such that the use of any other method of transportation is contraindicated and would endanger the MAP eligible recipient's health.

(2) Scheduled, non-emergency ambulance services are ordered by a primary care provider (PCP) who certifies that the use of any other method of non-emergency transportation is contraindicated by the MAP eligible recipient's physical, or behavioral health condition. MAD covers non-reusable items and oxygen required during transportation, if needed; coverage for these items is included in the base rate reimbursement for ground ambulance.

F. Air ambulance services: MAD covers services provided by air ambulances, including private airplanes, if an emergency exists and the PCP certifies the medical necessity for the service.

(1) An emergency that would require air over ground ambulance services is defined as a medical or behavioral health condition, including emergency labor and delivery, manifesting itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that the absence of immediate medical attention could reasonably be expected to result in one of the following:

(a) a MAP eligible recipient's death;

(b) placement of a MAP eligible recipient's health is in serious jeopardy (or with respect to a pregnant woman, the health of the woman or her unborn child);

(c) serious impairment of bodily functions; or

(d) serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part.

(2) Coverage for the following is included in the base rate reimbursement for air ambulance:

(a) non-reusable items and oxygen required during transportation;

(b) professional attendants required during transportation;

(c) detention time or standby time; and

(d) use of equipment required during transportation.

G. Lodging services: MAD covers lodging services if a MAP eligible recipient is required to travel to receive medical services more than four hours one way and an overnight stay is required due to medical necessity or cost considerations. If medically justified and approved, lodging is initially set for up to five continuous days. For a longer stay, the need for lodging must be re-evaluated by the fifth day to authorize up to an additional 15 days. Re-evaluation must be made every 15 days for extended stays, prior to the expiration of the existing authorization. Approval of lodging is based on the medical or behavioral health provider's statement of need. Authorization forms for direct payment by MAD to its lodging providers are available through local county ISD offices.

H. Meal services: MAD covers meals if a MAP eligible recipient is required to leave his or her home community for eight hours or more to receive medical or behavioral health services. Authorization forms for direct payment to MAD meal providers by MAD are available through local county ISD offices.

I. Coverage for attendants: MAD covers transportation, meals and lodging for one attendant if the medical necessity for the attendant is certified in writing justified by the MAP eligible recipient's medical provider or the MAP eligible recipient who is receiving medical service is under 18 years of age. The attendant for a child under 18 years of age should be the parent or legal guardian. If the medical appointment is for an adult MAP eligible recipient, MAD does not cover transportation services or related expenses of children under 18 years of age traveling with the adult MAP eligible recipient.

J. Coverage for medicaid home and community-based services waiver recipients: Transportation of a medicaid waiver recipient to or from a provider of waiver service is only covered when the service is a physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy or a behavioral health service.

Notes

N.M. Admin. Code § 8.324.7.12

8.324.7.12 NMAC - Rp, 8.324.7.12 NMAC, 1-1-14