(The Center Square) – Louisiana foster caregivers will continue to receive medical mileage reimbursements from the state through the end of the year after caregivers reported difficulties navigating a transition to Medicaid transportation benefits.
The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services announced Friday it will continue processing qualifying medical mileage reimbursements through Dec. 31 while working with the state Department of Health and Medicaid managed care organizations to improve the process.
The extension comes after an Aug. 1 update to foster-care board rates, which cover expenses including food, clothing, shelter, school supplies and local travel associated with a child’s daily care. Transportation to covered medical appointments is handled separately as a Medicaid benefit.
The department said it will temporarily continue processing medical mileage reimbursements after foster caregivers reported difficulty getting information or assistance with reimbursement during the transition to the Medicaid transportation system.
“We have heard from our foster caregivers, and we understand transitions take time and focused energy, which we and LDH are working together on,” Family Services Secretary Rebecca Harris said.
Children in Louisiana foster care are automatically enrolled in Medicaid. Transportation to covered medical appointments is available through Medicaid managed care organizations and can include approved transportation providers and ride share services.
Family members or friends who do not live in the Medicaid member’s household also may qualify for mileage reimbursement when they provide transportation to covered medical appointments.
Foster caregivers can continue submitting qualifying mileage reimbursement requests under existing agency policy through Dec. 31.
