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Published Date: May 17, 2026

Removing Barriers for Hospital Discharge Transportation

Pursuant to PA DHS requirements, the Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP) is responsible for providing transportation services, for qualifying Medical Assistance recipients, related to a hospital discharge, which is considered an urgent short notice trip request.

MATP must schedule and provide trips for hospital discharges within 24 hours of the request, even when requested outside business hours, if the PH-MCO has ensured safe discharge conditions.

If MATP cannot accommodate, Highmark Wholecare does not require prior authorization for non-emergent ambulance or wheelchair van transportation to home upon discharge when provided by a participating entity.