Does Medicare pay for an ambulance to move someone from a nursing home in one state (NC) to another(NJ)?

Question

My grandmother is in a nursing home in NC, her husband lives in NC and visits her daily, but he has developed Alzheimer's and his family in NJ wants to bring him there and put him in a nursing home there. They have no other family in NC. We want her there too so they can still be together, but can't drive her because she needs medical attention. We are in Florida, but most of our family is in NJ. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

Usually no. But maybe under the circumstances they might. But, even if they don't there must be an organization who does these kinds of things. Try an Alzheimer's Support group, they can at least point you in the right direction. Good Luck!

Answer 2

no. but yes under some circumstances like emergency etc.

Answer 3

No they only pay for transport between hospitals if it is medically necessary. like hospital A does not have as good facilities.  Just moving  from nursing home to nursing home is considered not medically necessary it is a want not a need.

ETA

Also i don't think an ambulance company will go that far

You would need to  check into medical air transport and the family will have to private pay.

Answer 4

No, Medicare would pay to transport from the hospital to the nursing home, but in transporting from one nursing home to another, the discharging nursing home is responsible.  And they would probably not foot the bill, but leave it the responsibility of the family member.  Arranging that length of an ambulance trip would be difficult and very costly.  I would encourage you to contact the ombudsman in NC and NJ and ask for available resources for this situation.