MedicaidCoverageMedium impact
Transportation for Hospice Patients
Illinois Medicaid - HFS·IL · Palliative Care·Provider Notice
Effective date
Jul 1, 2012
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
Illinois Medicaid has reversed its previous policy and will now cover both emergency and non-emergency transportation services for hospice patients when traveling to medical care unrelated to their terminal illness. Non-emergency transportation requires prior approval from First Transit Inc. at least 7 business days in advance.
Action Required
Immediately: Billing team should notify providers that transportation services for hospice patients to non-terminal illness related care are now covered by Illinois Medicaid (retroactive to July 1, 2012). For non-emergency transportation, patients must call First Transit at 1-866-503-9040 at least 7 business days prior to trips. Emergency transportation does not require prior approval. Update patient education materials to include transportation coverage information.