Skip to Main Content

Not Just Medical Care

Medical care is a top priority, but at Buckeye we work to meet the many needs that may impact our member’s ability to access that care. We want to ensure services are provided that meet the needs of the whole person.  Look for more to come....

Buckeye Health Plan is partnering with the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) to assist our providers with removing barriers to accessibility at their practice by creating the Barrier Removal Fund (BRF) program. The goal of BRF is to increase the percentage of participating providers that meet the minimum federal and state disability access standards by providing grant funds.

These grant funds go toward providing equal access to quality health care and services that are physically and programmatically inaccessible for our members with disabilities and their companions.

  • “Physical access,” also referred to as “architectural access,” refers to a person with a disability’s ability to access buildings, structures, and the environment.
  • “Programmatic access” refers to a person with a disability’s access to goods, services, activities and equipment.

The deadline to request these grant funds is February 28, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. The determination for grant awards will take approximately 4 months. Follow these steps to apply for these funds:

Visit the National Council on Independent Living website at https://ncil.org/initiatives/provider-accessibility-initiative/ohiobrf/

  1. Review the Request for Proposal (RFP) document to see if you are eligible.
  2. If eligible, complete and submit the Request for Proposal PDF online by the stated deadline.

If you have any questions about the Barrier Removal Fund or the RFP, please contact Mary-Kate Wells at mary-kate@ncil.org.

We hope your office takes advantage of this important opportunity to assist your patients with disabilities.

Buckeye Health Plan supports our members every step of the way by providing free aids and services.

Translation Services (PDF)

SafeRide Health - Transportation Services (Medicaid & MyCare)

SafeRide Health Flyer (PDF)

Booking Rides for Members

To book rides, please have the following member information:

  • Name
  • ID
  • DOB
  • Height/weight
  • Appt. date/time
  • Pick-up/drop-off addresses
  • Additional passengers
  • Referred provider
  • Medically necessary modality

Note: Advanced notice of 48 business hours is required for routine services utilizing rideshare and NEMT.

Available Ride Modalities

  • Rideshare & Public Transit: For members who can walk to and from vehicle without assistance.
    Note: OhioRISE members are ineligible for rideshare.
  • Ambulatory NEMT: For member who can walk while supported by a device (walker, cane, etc.) and need assistance.
  • (XL) Wheelchair Van: For members who rely on a wheelchair and need to remain in it during transport. Note: For wheelchair rides, please note combined weight (passenger + chair), manual or electric, # of steps, and wheelchair width to determine if XL (>34" base) is needed.

    Call (866) 531-0615 to schedule rides for members today!

    Ensure that members have the right ride at the right time for an optimal transportation experience. Call center hours are Mon - Sat 7am - 8pm ET with urgent treatment and discharge reservations/assistance available 24/7/365.

    IMPORTANT: This guide is intended solely for use by Buckeye staff and provider network, and is not intended for member use or reference.

    Escalations

    For urgent, same day, or next day reservations or ride assistance, please call (866) 531-0615 to speak with a live agent.

    For non-urgent escalations, you can submit to the Escalations Team. A response will be provided within one business day. Please send as a SECURE email including: member name, member ID, date of incident, ride ID/s, transportation provider name (if applicable) and summary of concern. In the subject line, please include Buckeye Escalation – Date – Line of Business.

    Important Contact Information