Question 1

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 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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](https://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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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.

More help for members

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does Aetna Virginia Medicaid Transportation Cover?

Mileage Reimbursement

Children & Minors

Companions & Escorts

Public Transit & Bus Passes

Cancellations & Changes

Hospital Discharges

Ways to book a ride

Use the mobile app

Book a ride online

Chat with us online