This is to notify you that during the period of the Governor’s emergency disaster announcement related to the COVID-19 coronavirus, the use of MATP will be limited.

Discussion

If you have a scheduled appointment, contact your medical provider to see if the appointment is necessary. You should tell your medical provider if you or anyone in your household have any of the following: 

1. Have a fever higher than 100.4 degrees or COVID-19 respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat;
2. Had contact with a person (live with or are within 6 ft. for a 10 to 30 minute period) in the past 14 days with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 or was told by a medical provider that they may or do have COVID-19; or 
3. Have tested positive for COVID-19 or been told by a medical provider that they may or do have COVID-19. 

If your medical provider tells you to come in and you call to arrange transportation, you will be asked these same questions. Depending on how you answer these questions, you may not be allowed to use MATP. The transportation provider will advise you on what to do in this situation. If you are allowed to use MATP, you should wear a mask or other face covering (e.g. bandana, scarf, etc.) unless you cannot wear a mask or other face covering for a medical reason, or unless you are unable to afford providing yourself with a mask or other face covering. Please refer to the Department of Health’s website for guidance about face masks. 

Another option for MATP transportation is to transport yourself to your medical appointment. If you have access to a vehicle, you can be reimbursed for mileage, tolls and parking expenses. If you are not already registered and are interested in the mileage reimbursement program, please call your transportation provider to do so. 

Your transportation provider will go over the policies and procedures of the program when you call to register. There are a couple important things to remember and note. You must call your MATP agency in advance of an appointment and complete all required forms. To avoid a delay or possibly not receiving mileage reimbursement, please follow all policies and procedures, including submitting all toll and parking receipts in a timely manner. 

Effective April 1, 2020 and continuing through the Coronavirus emergency declaration only, the mileage reimbursement rate increased to $0.25 per mile. You do not need to do anything at this time to receive the increased rate if you travel to a Medicaid covered medical service during the emergency declaration period. As mentioned above, you are encouraged to contact your healthcare provider prior to traveling if not for an urgent condition. 

As a reminder, this rate is temporary and only continues during the emergency declaration. The rate will return to the established rate of $0.12 per mile after the declaration has ended. 

Please let your MATP agency know if you have any questions. 

In the meantime, please visit the PA Department of Health’s dedicated webpage for the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19.`