Question 1

How do I get a free ride to the doctor with Aetna Better Health of Virginia?

Accepted Answer

Call 1-800-734-0430 (Medicaid) or 1-844-452-9375 (FIDE-SNP) to schedule a free ride to your medical appointment. You can also book online at member.medidrive.com, through the MediDrive mobile app, or via live chat. Schedule at least 3 business days in advance. Phone lines are open Mon–Fri 8 AM – 8 PM EST, and the automated IVR system is available 24/7.

Question 2

What is the Aetna Virginia transportation phone number?

Accepted Answer

For Aetna Better Health of Virginia Medicaid members, call 1-800-734-0430. For FIDE-SNP (Aetna Medicare-Medicaid dual eligible) members, call 1-844-452-9375. Press option 1 for reservations or option 2 for ride assist. Lines are open Mon–Fri 8 AM – 8 PM EST, with 24/7 IVR self-service.

Question 3

What information do I need when I call to schedule a ride?

Accepted Answer

Have these ready: your full name, date of birth, Medicaid member ID number, home address with ZIP code, phone number, doctor or provider name, appointment date and time, appointment address, whether you need a companion to ride with you, and any special needs such as a wheelchair or stretcher.

Question 4

How do I set up recurring rides for dialysis or regular treatment?

Accepted Answer

Call us to set up a standing order for appointments that occur at least 3 days per week for 3 or more months. This is common for dialysis, adult daycare, radiation therapy, and similar recurring treatments. Once set up, your rides are automatically scheduled.

Question 5

What if I need an urgent same-day ride to the doctor?

Accepted Answer

Urgent trips (not emergencies — call 911 for emergencies) can be arranged with less than 3 business days notice for dialysis, wound care, chemotherapy, radiation, or doctor-ordered urgent visits. We verify the urgency directly with the physician's office.

Question 6

Does Aetna Better Health of Virginia cover transportation to medical appointments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Aetna Better Health of Virginia provides free non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to covered medical appointments for all Medicaid members. This includes rides to doctor visits, specialist appointments, dialysis, therapy, pharmacy (when combined with a medical visit), and other covered services.

Question 7

What types of vehicles are available for medical transportation?

Accepted Answer

We provide ambulatory transport (sedan, taxi, or van for members who can walk to the vehicle), wheelchair-accessible vans, stretcher vans for members who cannot sit upright, and non-emergency ambulance transport. The level of service is based on your medical needs and plan coverage.

Question 8

Can I get rides for non-medical purposes like grocery shopping?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Aetna Better Health of Virginia members receive up to 15 round trips per year for non-medical purposes such as grocery shopping, library visits, and community activities. Call 1-800-734-0430 to schedule.

Question 9

Can I travel out of state for a medical appointment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, out-of-state medical transportation is available with prior approval. All out-of-state trips must be reviewed and approved by Aetna Better Health before travel.

Question 10

How does the Medicaid mileage reimbursement program work in Virginia?

Accepted Answer

If a friend, family member, or neighbor drives you to a medical appointment, they can be reimbursed for mileage. You MUST call 1-800-734-0430 before the trip to get a pre-authorized trip number. After the appointment, complete the Gas Reimbursement Trip Log, have your doctor's office sign it, and mail it to MediDrive Claims at PO Box 2310, Glen Allen, VA 23058.

Question 11

How long does it take to get my mileage reimbursement payment?

Accepted Answer

Payments are typically processed within 4–6 weeks after MediDrive receives your completed trip log with physician signature, valid Medicaid ID, and the pre-authorized trip number.

Question 12

Can my child ride alone to a medical appointment?

Accepted Answer

Children 14 and under must have a parent, legal guardian, or authorized adult accompany them. Ages 15–17 need a signed consent form on file or an accompanying adult. Children 7 and under must have a booster or child safety seat provided by the parent/guardian.

Question 13

Where do I get the minor consent form for transportation?

Accepted Answer

You can fill out the consent form online at medidrive.com/facilities/va/consent/minor or download a printable PDF from the resources section below. The form is available in English and Spanish.

Question 14

Can someone ride with me to my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. An escort (family member, friend, or facility employee) can accompany you for the entire trip at no extra cost. Let us know when you schedule the ride. An attendant is a transportation company employee who ensures your safety during transport — this is arranged based on medical necessity.

Question 15

Can I get bus tokens or public transit passes through Medicaid?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Call at least 7 days before your appointment and we can provide bus tokens, tickets, swipe cards, or transit passes for your medical trip.

Question 16

How do I cancel or change my scheduled ride?

Accepted Answer

Notify MediDrive as soon as possible by calling the Ride Assist line. For Medicaid: 1-800-734-0430, press option 2. For FIDE-SNP: 1-844-452-9375, press option 2. Canceling promptly helps us serve other members.

Question 17

How does transportation work when I'm discharged from the hospital?

Accepted Answer

Your hospital's discharge team calls MediDrive directly at 703-372-9832. MediDrive then has 3 hours to arrange your pickup. Important: hospital staff must make the request — patients should not call this number directly.

Recursos para Miembros y Preguntas Frecuentes

Frequently Asked Questions

Booking a Ride

What Does Aetna Virginia Medicaid Transportation Cover?

Mileage Reimbursement

Children & Minors

Companions & Escorts

Public Transit & Bus Passes

Cancellations & Changes

Hospital Discharges

Downloadable Resources

Gas Reimbursement Program

How It Works

Required Documentation