Medicaid recipients in Arizona can use their benefits to pay for Lyft rides to and from medical appointments, the result of a recent policy change by the state’s program.
The change, announced in May by the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, allows ride-sharing companies to register as providers for Medicaid beneficiaries “who do not require personal assistance during medically necessary transportation.”
Enrollees can’t request a ride directly from Lyft, the policy notes, but should continue to contact their health plan for transportation requests.
“The health care plan and/or their transportation broker will assess the member’s need and determine whether a Transportation Network Company is a viable option,” it says.
Arizona’s Medicaid program is the first in the country to partner with a ride-sharing company to offer transportation options to its members, though similar laws are on the books in Florida and Texas. Nearly a quarter of Arizona’s population is enrolled in Medicaid.
“This is a significant step forward in medical transportation services and we look forward to seeing its positive impact,” Jami Snyder, director of AHCCCS, said in a statement.
