Medicare Part D: The Medicare prescription drug benefit program. We call this program “Part D” for short. Medicare Part D covers outpatient prescription drugs, vaccines, and some supplies not covered by Medicare Part A or Medicare Part B or Medical Assistance. Our plan includes Medicare Part D.Medicare Part A: The Medicare program that covers most medically necessary hospital, skilled nursing facility, home health, and hospice care.
Medicare Part B: The Medicare program that covers services (such as lab tests, surgeries, and doctor visits) and supplies (such as wheelchairs and walkers) that are medically necessary to treat a disease or condition. Medicare Part B also covers many preventive and screening services.Medical Assistance: This is the name of Minnesota’s Medicaid program. Medical Assistance is run by the state and is paid for by the state and the federal government. It helps people with limited incomes and resources pay for long-term services and supports and medical costs.
It covers extra services and some drugs not covered by Medicare. Medicaid programs vary from state to state, but most health care costs are covered if you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.

RideConnect

South Country Health Alliance members may be eligible for non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services to help them get to and from their health care appointments. RideConnect offers safe and reliable rides to covered medical, behavioral health and dental appointments.

Unassisted Transportation Services

Unassisted transportation is also known as common carrier. Unassisted transportation includes non-emergency medical transportation provided by volunteer drivers, buses, taxis and other commercial carriers.

Assisted Transportation Services

Assisted transportation is non-emergency medical transportation for people who have a physical or mental impairment and are not able to safely use unassisted transportation services. With assisted transportation, the driver provides direct assistance to help members get into and out of a vehicle, as well as to and from their appointment. Assisted transportation also includes ambulatory, wheelchair and stretcher services.

Members must be authorized to use assisted transportation before South Country Health Alliance will cover the cost. South Country Health Alliance will help members complete an assessment to determine if they are eligible for assisted transportation.

 

Eligibility

South Country Health Alliance members enrolled in the following programs may be eligible to use RideConnect transportation if they do not have access to their own transportation:

A parent or legal guardian needs to sign a parental authorization to allow any minor younger than 18 years of age to receive non-emergency medical transportation without being accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Use this form: Minor Parental Authorization Consent Form (pdf).

Mileage and gas reimbursement is not covered by South Country Health Alliance for members with their own vehicle. However, this may be available through another source. Call your county for more information.

Using RideConnect

Scheduling a Ride

To schedule a ride Monday through Friday, call Member Services at least 72 hours (3 days) before your appointment during business hours. We may not be able to schedule a ride with less than 72-hour notice, and you may need to reschedule your appointment. RideConnect is not available during weekends.

You will need the following information when scheduling your ride:

  • South Country Health Alliance member ID number
  • Your phone number and pick-up address
  • Appointment date, start and finish time
  • Drop-off location name, address, and phone number

Canceling or Changing a Ride

If your schedule changes or you no longer need a ride, call Member Services 24 hours (1 day) or as soon as possible before your scheduled pick-up time to change or cancel your ride. Please be courteous and respectful to the driver and other South Country members who need rides. Take the time to cancel your ride if you no longer need the transportation.

Covered Rides, Same Day Appointments and Emergencies

Covered Visits

You can get rides to covered medical, dental, mental health, chemical dependency, pharmacy and durable medical equipment visits.

Rides Not Covered

Transportation may not be covered if it is to a place or for a service that South Country Health Alliance does not cover, or if the member’s coverage with South Country Health Alliance is not active on the date of the ride.

South Country and RideConnect Transportation are not required to provide transportation to a primary care clinic if it is over 30 miles, or to a specialty care provider if it is over 60 miles, from the member’s home.

Urgent Care or Same Day Clinic

Rides to urgent care or same day care are based on provider availability.

Emergencies

Call 911. South Country Health Alliance covers emergency ambulance services.

Forms and Information

RideConnect Logo

Contact Information

Address:

RideConnect

Business hours:

Mon – Fri 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sat – Sun Closed

Phone number:

Toll free 1-866-567-7242 TTY
Request A Ride

Are you a Transportation provider?
The documents below are for you:

Last Updated on 04/02/2024 by Chris Gartner

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