Does Medi-Cal reimburse for mileage?

Asked by: Ephraim Zieme PhD  |  Last update: June 25, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (45 votes)

Mileage reimbursement is available to members with fee-for-service Medi-Cal who use their own vehicle to drive to an appointment for a Medi-Cal covered service. Members must attest in their request for reimbursement that they have an unmet transportation need and do not have another way to get to their appointment.

Can you get reimbursed from Medi-Cal?

You may be able to receive a reimbursement if:

You received a Medi-Cal covered service on a date that you were eligible for Medi-Cal. The three periods of eligibility that are included are the following: RETRO: The 3-month period prior to the month you applied for the Medi-Cal program.

Does California require mileage reimbursement?

How Much Does California Law Require My Employer To Reimburse Me For Driving On The Job? California law requires your employer to reimburse you for all necessary expenses you incur because of your job. The most common type of on-the-job expense employees have is the cost of using a personal vehicle.

Can I get transportation through Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal offers transportation to and from appointments for services covered by Medi-Cal. This includes transportation to medical, dental, mental health, or substance use disorder appointments, and to pick up prescriptions and medical supplies.

Does Medi-Cal seek reimbursement?

The Medi-Cal Estate Recovery program must seek repayment from the estates of certain Medi-Cal members after they die. Repayment only applies to benefits received by these members on or after their 55th birthday and who own assets at the time of death.

Should I file mileage reimbursement for my work injury in California? How to submit medical mileage

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What is the 3 month rule for Medi-Cal?

You may request Medi-Cal to pay retroactively for the three months prior to the month in which you apply.

What are reimbursed Medi-Cal expenses?

It's an employer-funded group health plan that your employer contributes a certain amount to. You use the money to pay for qualifying medical expenses up to a fixed dollar amount per year. Unused funds may carry over from year to year. The amount you pay for your health insurance every month.

How much does Medicaid pay for medical transportation?

The full fee schedule for Medicaid transport can range from $25 to as much as $250, but Medicaid coverage takes the brunt of the expense. For the patient, the out-of-pocket cost varies. In some states, there can be a minor co-pay per trip, such as $1 to $2 each way.

How do I get started in medical transportation?

To start your medical transportation business on the right track, follow these steps:
  1. Conduct market research.
  2. Develop a business plan.
  3. Obtain required licenses and permits.
  4. Secure financing.
  5. Acquire suitable vehicles.
  6. Hire and train staff.
  7. Establish partnerships.
  8. Create a professional website.

Does Medicare pay for transportation to doctor?

Original Medicare (Parts A & B) will cover transportation only in certain situations, but generally it doesn't cover expenses when it's a routine trip from home to your doctor. Part A may cover emergency transportation services, and Part B may cover transportation if it's deemed medically necessary.

Who is eligible for mileage reimbursement?

If you drive your personal vehicle for business purposes, you will be eligible for receiving mileage reimbursement from your employer. While there are no federal laws requiring employers to reimburse employee mileage, state laws sometimes require employees to provide mileage reimbursements.

What is the mileage rule in California?

Here's a breakdown of the current IRS mileage reimbursement rates for California as of January 2025. Employees will receive 70 cents per mile driven for business use (3 cents from 2024.) Employees will receive 21 cents per mile driven for moving or medical purposes (same as in 2024.)

How to ask for mileage reimbursement?

Tips for asking your employer for mileage reimbursement
  1. Calculate your current/intended mileage ahead of time. ...
  2. Calculate how much this translates into cost. ...
  3. Complete your calculation. ...
  4. Discuss available reimbursement rates. ...
  5. Discuss a record-keeping process. ...
  6. Make it a deduction.

Does Medi-Cal cover travel expenses?

Yes, mileage reimbursement is available to members with fee-for-service Medi-Cal who use their own vehicle to drive to an appointment for a Medi-Cal covered service.

What does Medi-Cal not cover?

Restricted scope Medi-Cal covers limited services. It does not cover medicine or primary care. If you have pregnancy-related limited scope Medi-Cal, you will have the full scope of Medi-Cal benefits, if the service is medically necessary.

Can Medi-Cal ask for money back?

Medi-Cal is California's free or low-cost medical assistance program for low-income people. What is Medi-Cal Recovery? When a Medi-Cal recipient dies, the state can seek repayment for the cost of services received, including insurance premiums paid and payments made to managed care plans.

How much does Medi-Cal transport cost?

Ambulatory Services: $25 to $50 one way. Wheelchair Services: $50 to $100 one way. Stretcher Services: $200 to $300 one way. Bariatric transport: Can be over $300 per trip due to special equipment and vehicles.

Who pays for non-emergency Medi-Cal transportation in California?

You may qualify for travel-related transportation expenses to your medically necessary Medi-Cal covered services. This may include lodging, meals, parking, tolls, or other travel expenses. Travel expenses may also be covered for an attendant.

How do you become a patient transport?

Requirements and Qualifications
  1. A high school diploma or GED certificate.
  2. Experience as an EMT (preferred)
  3. Certification from the National Association of Healthcare Transport Management (preferred)
  4. BLS certification.

How to get medical transportation contract?

Proven Strategies for Securing Medical Transportation Contracts
  1. Conduct Market Research Before Pursuing Contracts.
  2. Focus on a Specific Niche and Understand Its Importance.
  3. Build Relationships with Major Medical Institutions.
  4. Obtain Certification and Licensing for Increased Credibility.
  5. Develop a Compelling Proposal.

How much do Medicaid transportation companies make?

All in all, NEMT company owners can expect to earn between 40.000$ and 60.000$ annually, this is the average profit margin for NEMT business per year. How much does wheelchair transportation cost? It really depends on the state and type of work you are doing, but typically your base fee will be over $50.

How can I get reimbursed by Medi-Cal?

To file a claim, you must submit a Medi-Cal Claim Form for Beneficiary Reimbursement. The claim form must be filled out in blue or black ink; • The claim form must have an original signature (no copies will be accepted); The Claim Form must include: • A photo copy of your Medi-Cal Beneficiary Identification Card (BIC).

Can I pay out-of-pocket if I have Medi-Cal?

There are also no co-payments or out-of-pocket costs associated with receiving benefits under MAGI Medi-Cal. Non-MAGI Medi-Cal: The amount that a family or an individual must pay for Medi-Cal benefits is determined by the amount of available income that remains after appropriate exclusions and deductions are allowed.

Who qualifies for MERP?

The short answer is employers who provide group health insurance, and employees who participate in it. Employers who provide health insurance to their employees through a group health plan are typically eligible to offer a Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan or MERP.