Can Medicaid or TANF funds be used to subsidize transportation?
States can use federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) funds to assist low-income, working families with transportation. Generally this type of assistance includes bus tokens, fuel costs, car repair, and taxi services. TANF may allow for the provision of diversion assistance, a one-time payment to address an emergency, that if not met would result in a family applying for welfare assistance. Assistance is not limited to welfare recipients, however, the type of assistance offered varies by state. Medicaid pays for emergency ambulance service and transportation to non-emergency medical appointments if the recipient has no other means to travel to the appointment. Medicaid-funded transportation is available in every part of the country, and is provided by for-profit, nonprofit, and public transportation providers. When not in use to serve Medicaid clients, vehicles can be made available to transport other low-income community residents.
Related Questions
- Can NSP funds be used to subsidize the purchase of newly constructed homes built on vacant lots (via soft seconds)? Would this fall under Activity 1 or 5?
- May Federal TANF or State MOE funds be used to reduce, pay off, or offset child support arrearages or debts owed by non-custodial parents?
- Can Medicaid or TANF funds be used to subsidize transportation?
