# BlueCare TennCare Transportation: Who Books BlueCare Rides and How Your Company Gets Them

Canonical URL: https://nemtguide.com/health-plans/bluecare-tennessee/ · Updated 2026-09-30

Verida books every BlueCare Tennessee and TennCare Select ride. Members call 1-855-735-4660 for BlueCare or 1-866-473-7565 for TennCare Select, or book at member.verida.com, at least two business days ahead. To carry those riders, your company needs a TennCare Medicaid ID and a Verida contract, and BlueCare's provider manual adds rules of its own, such as drivers 21 or older.

- Verida books every BlueCare and TennCare Select ride, so a TennCare Medicaid ID and a Verida contract are how your company gets BlueCare trips.
- BlueCare had 529,180 members in July 2026, the most of any TennCare plan, and nearly 45 percent of the plan members in East Tennessee.
- BlueCare's manual asks for drivers 21 or older, "any auto" liability coverage, and no sexual abuse exclusion on your policies.
- Reject a manifest trip by 12:30 p.m. the day before, and give 24 hours' notice when you cannot run one, or you may pay for the replacement ride.
- File BlueCare trips with Verida within 120 days. Its policy is to pay clean claims within 30 days.

## BlueCare Tennessee rides at a glance

| Fact | Details |
| --- | --- |
| Who books the ride | Verida, 24 hours a day: 1-855-735-4660 for BlueCare, 1-866-473-7565 for TennCare Select, and 1-855-681-5032 for BlueCare Plus (September 2026) |
| Members | 529,180 in BlueCare and 27,331 in TennCare Select in TennCare's July 2026 enrollment report. BlueCare is the largest TennCare plan. |
| Booking notice | Two business days, except urgent trips such as discharges, same-day behavioral health visits, and dialysis confirmed as urgent |
| Distance limits | Not covered: over 30 miles to a primary care doctor, or over 90 miles to any care, unless no closer network provider exists or BlueCare authorized the service |
| Drivers | At least 21 in Verida's BlueCare network, where TennCare's minimum is 18. Random drug tests reach at least 5 percent of drivers each quarter. |
| Insurance | $1 million "any auto" liability, general liability of $1 million per person and $2 million per occurrence with no sexual abuse exclusion, and workers' compensation |
| Manifests | Usually two days before the trip. Reject a trip by 12:30 p.m. the day before, and give 24 hours' notice when you cannot run one, or you may pay for a pricier replacement ride. |
| Claims | Filed with Verida within 120 days of the trip. Verida's policy is to pay clean claims within 30 days. |
| How to join | A TennCare Medicaid ID, then Verida's Request for Qualifications with driver and vehicle lists. Verida's Tennessee provider line is 1-855-735-1020. |

BlueCare Tennessee is the largest TennCare health plan, with 529,180 members in TennCare's July 2026 enrollment report. It does not drive anyone. Verida books every ride for BlueCare and for TennCare Select, a TennCare plan BlueCare runs for the state, and hands each trip to a transportation company in its network. BlueCare's Provider Administration Manual, in the edition with changes effective October 1, 2026, spells out what that company must do, and several of its rules go past TennCare's minimums. For TennCare's statewide rules, see the [Tennessee state guide](https://nemtguide.com/states/tennessee/).

## Who books BlueCare and TennCare Select rides

Members call Verida, book at member.verida.com, or use Verida's app. Verida's lines answer 24 hours a day, every day. Its Tennessee call center in Chattanooga books routine rides from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, dispatchers handle urgent trips at night and on weekends, and a routine request left after hours gets a call back the next day. Each plan has its own line, as of September 2026:

| Plan | Verida booking line |
|---|---|
| BlueCare Tennessee | 1-855-735-4660 |
| TennCare Select | 1-866-473-7565 |
| BlueCare Plus (Medicare) | 1-855-681-5032 |
| Where's My Ride (late or missing rides) | 1-866-473-7565, option 3, or option 9 for Spanish |

Hospitals, clinics, and dialysis centers book for BlueCare patients on Verida's facility portal at facility.verida.com. Two kinds of trips skip Verida's line: trips out of state, and trips for a minor riding without an escort. Members book those through BlueCare Member Services at 1-800-468-9698 or TennCare Select at 1-800-263-5479, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern on weekdays.

Children in state custody ride differently. BlueCare's April 2025 provider flyer says Department of Children's Services family service workers arrange rides for most children and teens in TennCare Select. BlueCare helps the family book instead when the child is on a home trial visit, attends intensive outpatient care three to five times a week, or needs specialized help because of a physical or mental disability. See [children in NEMT](https://nemtguide.com/guides/children-in-nemt/).

BlueCare Plus is BlueCare's Medicare plan for people who also have TennCare. By January 1, 2027, TennCare requires a full dual eligible member who wants a Medicare special needs plan to have it with the same company as the TennCare plan, so a BlueCare Plus member with full TennCare benefits will have BlueCare on both sides, and Verida on both ride lines. See [dual eligible](https://nemtguide.com/glossary/dual-eligible/).

### Where BlueCare riders live

TennCare's July 2026 report counts BlueCare members in each grand region. The share compares BlueCare with all members of the three regional plans (BlueCare, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, and Wellpoint) in that region:

| Grand region | BlueCare members | BlueCare's share |
|---|---|---|
| East Tennessee | 208,637 | 45 percent of 466,913 |
| West Tennessee | 146,264 | 40 percent of 364,728 |
| Middle Tennessee | 174,279 | 35 percent of 494,088 |
| TennCare Select, statewide | 27,331 | |

East Tennessee is where a Verida contract reaches the most riders: nearly 45 percent of the region's plan members are in BlueCare.

## Which BlueCare trips are covered

Verida must approve every trip before it runs, and it gives each approved trip a confirmation number. Members book at least two business days ahead, with no limit on how far ahead. BlueCare's manual lists the trips that count as urgent and skip that notice:

- Hospital discharges, crisis stabilization discharges, and mobile crisis requests
- Same-day appointments with outpatient behavioral health providers
- Dialysis confirmed as urgent
- Follow-up care a provider orders within two business days of surgery or a procedure
- A specialist opening when the next one is two or more weeks away
- An appointment rescheduled because of a Verida delay

Verida must honor a valid urgent request within 3 hours in urban areas and 4 hours elsewhere, with urban areas set by the Census Bureau, not by trip miles. A late request that is not urgent still gets a try: the manual says Verida works to place it in the same window with a network company, a company outside its network, or a Verida van. See [hospital discharge transportation](https://nemtguide.com/guides/hospital-discharge-transportation/) and [same-day NEMT trips](https://nemtguide.com/guides/same-day-nemt-trips/).

### BlueCare's distance limits

BlueCare sets two distance rules of its own, and they apply to dual eligible members too:

| Trip from the member's home | Covered? |
|---|---|
| Over 30 miles to a family practice, internal medicine, general practice, or pediatric doctor | No |
| Over 90 miles to any health care service | No |

Either trip is covered when BlueCare's network has no closer provider or BlueCare authorized the service. If a member picks a doctor farther away while closer ones are open, BlueCare may not pay for the ride, and it tells the member in writing. Verida's Tennessee members page puts it the rider's way: it books trips outside the member's area under 90 miles, and longer trips need the plan's approval first. See [long-distance medical transport](https://nemtguide.com/guides/long-distance-medical-transport/).

### Riders, escorts, and missed rides

- **Escorts.** One escort rides free. BlueCare's 2026 member guide allows one for a child under 21 or for a member with a disability or who needs help. Verida's rules exclude anyone under 6 as an escort and presume anyone under 12 too young unless the facts show otherwise. See [escorts and caregivers](https://nemtguide.com/guides/escorts-and-caregivers/).
- **Children and bags.** BlueCare members may bring their children when child care is not available, if they say so when they book, and one bag that fits on the lap.
- **Level of help.** Verida sets the vehicle type (ambulatory, wheelchair, or stretcher) and the help the driver gives: [curb-to-curb](https://nemtguide.com/glossary/curb-to-curb/), [door-to-door](https://nemtguide.com/glossary/door-to-door/), or [hand-to-hand](https://nemtguide.com/glossary/hand-to-hand/). Its system will not dispatch the wrong vehicle type, but the ride there and the ride home may use different ones.
- **Probation.** A member who cancels or does not show up three times in 30 days goes on probation. A ride counts as a [no-show](https://nemtguide.com/glossary/no-show/) or cancellation when the member is not at the pickup at the agreed time or does not come to the door, cancels after the driver has left, or tells the driver at pickup the ride is no longer needed.

### Trips that go to buses and family drivers

Verida offers a bus pass when the pickup and drop-off are within one third of a mile of a stop and the member can ride transit. BlueCare's flyer lists passes in Bristol, Chattanooga, Clarksville, Franklin, Jackson, Johnson City, Knoxville, Memphis, Murfreesboro, and Nashville, and a doctor can sign a restriction form for a patient who cannot ride the bus. Members with a car, or a friend or relative who drives, can ask Verida for [mileage reimbursement](https://nemtguide.com/glossary/mileage-reimbursement/). Verida's mileage flyer asks them to call 72 hours ahead, and the doctor signs the form to confirm the visit.

## What Verida's BlueCare network asks of your company

Attachment I of BlueCare's manual is the NEMT provider manual for Verida's BlueCare and TennCare Select network. It builds on TennCare's contract rules and adds these:

- **Drivers 21 and older.** The manual notes TennCare allows 18, but Verida's age for this network is 21. It reviews ambulance employees under 21 case by case.
- **Random tests every quarter.** At least 20 percent of drivers a year and at least 5 percent each quarter, with results reported to TennCare quarterly. See [NEMT driver drug testing](https://nemtguide.com/guides/nemt-driver-drug-testing/).
- **Your own vehicles only.** You run trips only in vehicles you own or lease, and you may not sublet or pass trips to another company. See [subcontracting NEMT trips](https://nemtguide.com/guides/subcontract-nemt-trips/).
- **A dedicated phone line and fax line** for Verida's use, with a fax machine on it.
- **Orientation first.** Your owner, dispatchers, supervisors, and mechanics finish Verida's orientation before you sign.
- **Badges** with the driver's photo, full name, and your company name, approved by Verida and worn between the neckline and the waist.
- **Renewals on time.** Verida tracks every expiration date. A missed renewal brings a 10-day cure letter, then the driver is disqualified and you get a cease and desist letter for that driver.

### Insurance BlueCare's manual requires

| Coverage | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Commercial auto liability | $1,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence, written for "any auto" (symbol 1), never limited to a schedule of vehicles |
| Commercial general liability | $1,000,000 per person and $2,000,000 per occurrence, on an occurrence basis, plus $1,000,000 for property damage |
| Workers' compensation | Tennessee's statutory limits or $1,000,000 for each accident, disease, and employee, whichever is greater |
| Insurer | Licensed in Tennessee and rated A- or better by A.M. Best, financial size Class IX or larger. Verida may accept a carrier rated down to B on a provisional basis. |

Neither liability policy may exclude sexual abuse and molestation, assault and battery, or punitive damages. The certificate names the state agency as certificate holder and promises 60 days' notice of cancellation or nonrenewal. Hand this table to your agent before you buy. See [NEMT insurance requirements](https://nemtguide.com/guides/nemt-insurance-requirements/) and [certificate of insurance](https://nemtguide.com/glossary/certificate-of-insurance/).

### Vehicle details only this manual lists

- **Step up.** A vehicle with a step up needs a retractable step or running board that Verida approves. The step stool the manual describes is sturdy metal with four anti-skid legs, 8.25 inches tall, 15 inches wide, and 14 inches deep, and a milk crate never counts.
- **Kit.** A weatherproof #10 first aid kit with the listed contents, three emergency triangles, and anti-skid ribbed rubber or carpet flooring.
- **Wheelchair vans.** At least 56 inches of headroom and door height, a door at least 30 inches wide, a lift rated for 600 pounds on a platform at least 30 by 48 inches with handrails on both sides, and an interlock that needs park and the emergency brake before the lift moves. See [ramp or lift](https://nemtguide.com/guides/ramp-or-lift/).
- **Stretcher vans.** A stretcher rated for 400 pounds or more that rises from 18 inches without being lifted off the ground, with at least five safety belts, plus a Department of Health invalid vehicle permit. See [stretcher van requirements](https://nemtguide.com/guides/stretcher-van-requirements/).

Verida inspects each vehicle before service and every year, and its compliance officers make spot checks in the field. Ambulance companies may send their Department of Health inspection forms instead.

## How BlueCare trips reach you and how Verida pays

Verida usually sends your manifest two days before the date of service, and no later than your close of business the day before. You have until 12:30 p.m. the day before to reject a trip. The manual also asks for at least 24 hours' notice whenever you cannot run an assignment. With less notice, if Verida has to book a pricier ride, the extra cost comes out of what it owes you. Trips added after the manifest come by phone first, and no trip is paid without Verida's confirmation number.

Drivers record each pickup and drop-off on a Verida tablet at the time and place it happens, and the rider, a representative, or the clinic signs on the screen. The driver can never sign for the rider. GPS and time stamps check the vehicle against the manifest, and a trip that does not match may be denied. Paper trip forms are only for a tablet that fails, with Verida's permission, sent weekly and bundled by date. Verida turns your trip records into HCPCS transportation codes and reports them to BlueCare, so you bill Verida, never BlueCare. See [NEMT billing codes](https://nemtguide.com/guides/nemt-billing-codes/) and [NEMT trip documentation](https://nemtguide.com/guides/nemt-trip-documentation/).

| Step | What BlueCare's manual says |
|---|---|
| Filing limit | 120 calendar days from the date of service |
| Sending a claim | Someone authorized at your company certifies each claim in Verida's web portal |
| Payment | Verida's policy is to pay within 30 days of a clean claim, by direct deposit, on a schedule it publishes each quarter |
| Denied tablet claims | A Claims Denial/Dispute form within 10 days of the denial |
| Other disputes | In writing to Verida's Reconciliation Manager, with the confirmation numbers, answered within 14 days |
| After that | Review by Verida's director of operations or chief operations officer, then an outside review of the denied claim through the Department of Commerce and Insurance |

The [Tennessee state guide](https://nemtguide.com/states/tennessee/) explains that outside review and its fee. See [how to appeal a denied NEMT claim](https://nemtguide.com/guides/appeal-denied-nemt-claim/).

After an accident, send Verida a written report with the post-accident drug and alcohol result within 24 hours, and the police report within 5 business days. A company below TennCare's on-time standard gets a notice and writes a [corrective action plan](https://nemtguide.com/glossary/corrective-action-plan/). Repeated problems bring a "coach and counsel" meeting, fewer trips, liquidated damages, or removal from the network.

## How to get BlueCare trips

1. **Get your TennCare Medicaid ID.** No TennCare plan or broker can contract with a company without one, and the [Tennessee state guide](https://nemtguide.com/states/tennessee/) walks through registration.
2. **Send Verida's Request for Qualifications** with a driver list and a vehicle list. Verida checks whether your region needs another company and calls you for an interview if it does.
3. **Send your documents:** business license, proof of liability insurance, driver credentials, criminal background checks, drug screens for owners and drivers, and driving records.
4. **Pass inspections and training.** Every vehicle passes Verida's inspection, and every driver finishes 32 hours of training. The training includes CPR, which Verida requires beyond TennCare's minimum.
5. **Finish orientation and sign** the NEMT provider agreement.

Verida books BlueCare, TennCare Select, and BlueCare Plus rides. UnitedHealthcare Community Plan and Wellpoint riders book through [Tennessee Carriers](https://nemtguide.com/brokers/tennessee-carriers/) instead; see [Wellpoint Tennessee transportation](https://nemtguide.com/health-plans/wellpoint-tennessee/) for that side. For Verida in other states, see the [Verida provider guide](https://nemtguide.com/brokers/verida/).

## Who to call

| For | Contact |
|---|---|
| Verida Tennessee providers | 1-855-735-1020 |
| Verida claims | 678-510-4600, option 2 |
| Verida Tennessee office, Chattanooga | 423-893-8282 |
| BlueCare ride questions and concerns | BlueCare_NEMT_Transportation@bcbst.com |
| BlueCare provider customer service | 1-800-468-9736 (TennCare Select: 1-800-276-1978) |
| Out-of-state trips and minors riding alone | BlueCare Member Services, 1-800-468-9698 (TennCare Select: 1-800-263-5479) |
| Mileage reimbursement | TennesseeGR@verida.com, or the member's booking line |

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the BlueCare transportation phone number?

As of September 2026, BlueCare members book rides with Verida at 1-855-735-4660, TennCare Select members at 1-866-473-7565, and BlueCare Plus members at 1-855-681-5032. The lines are open 24 hours a day. For a late ride, call 1-866-473-7565 and press 3 (Spanish is option 9). Out-of-state trips and minors riding without an escort go through BlueCare Member Services at 1-800-468-9698.

### Does BlueCare use Verida or Tennessee Carriers?

Verida. It books rides for BlueCare Tennessee, TennCare Select, and BlueCare Plus members in all three grand regions. Tennessee Carriers books rides for UnitedHealthcare Community Plan and Wellpoint members. Each broker has its own application and agreement, so a company that wants every TennCare rider in its county needs both.

### How do I become a BlueCare transportation provider?

Register with TennCare for a Medicaid ID, then send Verida's Request for Qualifications with a driver list and a vehicle list. If your region needs another company, Verida asks for your documents, inspects each vehicle, checks that every driver finished 32 hours of training, and holds an orientation for your owner and staff before you sign. Verida's Tennessee provider line is 1-855-735-1020.

### How far will BlueCare pay for a ride?

BlueCare's provider manual does not cover trips over 30 miles from home to a family practice, internal medicine, general practice, or pediatric doctor, or trips over 90 miles to any health care service. Either is covered when BlueCare's network has no closer provider or BlueCare authorized the service. Out-of-state trips must be to a BlueCare provider or approved by BlueCare.

### How fast does Verida pay for BlueCare trips?

BlueCare's manual says Verida's policy is to pay within 30 days of a clean claim, by direct deposit, on a payment schedule it publishes each quarter. You have 120 calendar days from the date of service to file. A denied tablet claim can be disputed within 10 days of the denial, and Verida's Reconciliation Manager answers written disputes within 14 days.

### What happens when a BlueCare member keeps missing rides?

BlueCare's April 2025 provider flyer says a member who cancels or does not show up three times in 30 days goes on probation and may have to take extra steps to book and confirm future rides. A ride counts against the member when they are not at the pickup at the agreed time, cancel after the driver has left, or tell the driver at the door they no longer need the ride.

## Official resources

- [Verida: Request for Qualifications form](https://verida.com/provider-request-for-qualifications-form/)
- [Verida: Tennessee transportation providers](https://verida.com/tennessee-providers/)
- [BlueCare Tennessee: Provider Administration Manual (NEMT provider manual in Attachment I)](https://www.bcbst.com/providers/manuals/BCT_PAM.pdf)
- [BlueCare Tennessee: Provider flyer on Verida rides](https://content.bcbst.com/api/public/content/verida_transportation_flyer.pdf?v=3dd42be8)
- [Verida: Facility portal for discharges and appointments](https://facility.verida.com/)
- [TennCare: How to Schedule a Ride (ride lines by health plan)](https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tenncare/documents/NEMTHowToScheduleARide.pdf)