Normal, IL – Connect Transit is now accepting Medicaid for all eligible Connect Mobility riders. Upon being accepted, Medicaid will cover 100% of the medical-based mobility trips and can be utilized for any non-emergency, medically-based reason. Connect Transit does not currently accept Meridian, Molina, IlliniCare, or BC/BS but are working to expand service to Medicare Advantage Plan and private sector insured customers.
Shelly Snider, Connect-Ability Specialist and the lead employee behind Non-Emergency Medical Transport (NEMT), had this to say about the program:
“Non-Emergency Medical Transport—or NEMT—is a lifeline for disadvantaged Medicaid recipients, those who are elderly or disabled who have no access to essential healthcare services. There are over 3 million missed or delayed medical appointments a year due to lack of appropriate transportation. With an aging population, 78 percent of those over the age of 55 will have one or more chronic conditions. Receiving proper care for these conditions saves money by decreasing ambulance costs and emergency room visits.”
NEMT coverage through Medicaid only makes up about 1 percent of yearly federal funds transferred to all states. Connect Transit has already provided in a 7-month period almost 4,000 Medicaid rides to eligible Connect Mobility riders which has saved riders over $8,000 out of pocket. To see if you are eligible and to setup your account, call Connect Transit at (309) 829-9833.
