(a) Travel expenses may be defrayed only for necessary medical services not available in the community in which a child in Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) custody and out-of-home placement resides.  Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) ensures that necessary transportation is available to such children who are in need of medical services not available in the community.  All children approved for Medicaid are eligible.

• (1) Community-based residential care contractors providing transportation do not receive reimbursement.
• (2) Placement providers are responsible for the child's transportation to routine medical appointments.  Placement providers who must travel out of the community for necessary and non-routine medical services for the child use SoonerRide.  Non‑Emergency Transportation (NET) service. 
  • (A) All NET routine services must be scheduled by advance appointment at least three business days prior to the child's health care appointment, but may be scheduled up to 14 business days in advance.
  • (B) Standing appointments for the child may be scheduled beyond the 14-day time frame, not to exceed 30 days.  The placement provider must phone the SoonerRide call center and identify himself or herself as the child's foster parent.
  • (C) The placement provider has the option of receiving gasoline reimbursement for providing transportation if the provider chooses not to use public transportation or it is not available.

(b) If it is determined the child's condition requires urgent care, the placement provider must attempt to schedule NET services through SoonerRide.

• (1) SoonerRide must be contacted on or before the date of service to allow for assignment of a trip number and mailing of a reimbursement form to the placement provider.  The reservation center is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• (2) If SoonerRide cannot provide transportation or the placement provider chooses not to use NET for urgent care, the placement provider may receive gasoline reimbursement.

(c) If a child requires out-of-state medical care that involves the use of a commercial airline, approval and flight arrangements must be secured by contacting OHCA, Care Management Unit. 

(d) Ambulance service is compensable for the child when other forms of transportation do not meet the medical needs of the child.  Arrangements must be secured by contacting OHCA SoonerRide coordinator.

(e) Subsistence, sleeping accommodations, and meals are paid with Title XIX funds for the child and one essential person.  Any subsistence expense claimed on Form  10AD006E, Travel Claim, must be documented with receipt and is initially handled through the local OKDHS office.  Completed Form 10AD006E, is sent to OHCA Finance Division Travel Claims.  • 1