Washington Administrative Code
Title 182 - Health Care Authority
WASHINGTON APPLE HEALTH
Chapter 182-546 - Transportation services
GROUND EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION (GEMT)
Section 182-546-5900 - Nonemergency transportation-Meals, lodging, escort/guardian

(1) The agency may pay for meals and lodging for clients who must be transported to health care services outside of the client's local community. The agency's transportation brokers determine when meals and lodging are necessary based on a client's individual need.

(2) Brokers may authorize payment for meals and lodging for up to one calendar month. Extensions beyond the initial calendar month must be prior authorized by the broker on a month-to-month, week-to-week, or as-needed basis.

(3) Brokers may not authorize payment for alcohol, cannabis, or other nonfood items.

(4) Brokers follow the agency's guidelines in determining the reasonable costs of meals and lodging.

The reasonable cost of lodging and meals is measured against the state per diem for the location where the client is receiving covered health care services.

(5) The agency pays for the transportation of an authorized escort, including meals and lodging, when all of the following apply:

(6) The agency may authorize and pay for the transportation of an authorized escort or guardian, with or without the presence of the client, if the broker determines, and documents, that the presence of the authorized escort or guardian is necessary to ensure that the client has access to medically necessary care.

(7) Lodging and meals for all out-of-state nonemergency transportation must be prior authorized by the agency. Border areas as defined by WAC 182-501-0175 are considered in-state under this section and subsequent sections.