For many Medicaid riders in Brooklyn and across NYC, having the same driver for medical appointments provides comfort, safety, and peace of mind. Familiar faces matter—especially for seniors, long-term treatment patients, people with mobility challenges, or riders who simply feel more secure with a consistent caregiver-style driver.

This leads to one of the most common questions we hear at 7 Ocean Express, a Medicaid-approved Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) provider:

“Can I request a specific driver through MAS?”

The short answer: Yes, sometimes—but not always.
But the longer answer depends on how MAS (Medical Answering Services) routes and assigns trips in New York State.

Below is a complete, friendly, easy-to-understand guide that explains how MAS scheduling works, when you can request the same driver, and how 7 Ocean Express helps support your preferences whenever possible.

What Is MAS and How Do They Assign Drivers?

MAS is the state-approved organization responsible for arranging Medicaid transportation across New York. They do not operate their own fleet; instead, they assign trips to licensed NEMT vendors like 7 Ocean Express.

When you call MAS or schedule your ride online, they look at several factors:

Your Medicaid eligibility
Required level of medical transportation
Your pickup and drop-off locations
Which NEMT vendors are available at that time
Any approved transportation needs or accommodations
Timeliness and closest available provider

MAS focuses on ensuring all Medicaid riders get to their appointments on time—not on matching a specific driver.

However…
There are situations where you can stay with a preferred driver or provider.

Can You Request a Specific Driver? Actual MAS Rules Explained

MAS does not guarantee driver requests, but you can make preferences under certain conditions.

1. You Can Request a Specific Transportation Provider (Vendor)

While MAS usually chooses the lowest-cost available provider, you can ask them to use a specific vendor—such as 7 Ocean Express—especially if:

You have recurring medical appointments
You feel safer with the same company
You have mobility or behavioral challenges requiring extra patience
You had a negative experience with another provider
A doctor or caseworker noted special transportation needs

If MAS approves the request, your rides will be routed to that vendor when available.

Tip: Asking for a provider (like 7 Ocean Express) is more likely to be approved than asking for a specific driver.

**2. Can You Request the Same Driver? Sometimes, Yes.**

Although MAS doesn’t officially assign individual drivers, NEMT companies can accommodate recurring driver requests internally—if the schedule allows.

For example, many Brooklyn dialysis or therapy patients ride with the same driver several times a week because:

Their appointments are at consistent times
The driver is already assigned to the route
The patient feels comfortable with that driver
The company is able to keep the schedule consistent

At 7 Ocean Express, we always try to honor driver consistency when it helps a rider feel safe and supported.

Honest reality: MAS doesn’t “lock in” a driver. But we do our very best to keep familiar drivers with recurring riders whenever staffing allows.

**3. When Driver Requests Usually Can’t Be Guaranteed**

There are situations where your preferred driver may not be available:

They are already assigned to another ride
They are off that day
The trip is urgent or last-minute
The pickup time changed
The location changed
MAS rerouted the job to a different vendor

NEMT drivers work busy routes throughout Brooklyn and NYC, so same-driver requests depend on realistic scheduling.

How to Request a Specific Driver (or Provider) the Right Way

If you want consistent transportation, here’s the smoothest way to request it.

Step 1: Tell MAS You Prefer 7 Ocean Express

When calling MAS, you can say:

“I prefer to use 7 Ocean Express as my transportation provider.”

If you qualify, they will note it in your profile.

Step 2: Tell Us You Prefer a Specific Driver

Call our office after MAS schedules your trip.
718-714-1414

Tell our dispatcher:

Your name
Your appointment time
Which driver you like
Whether this is a one-time or recurring request

We’ll check the schedules and do our best to make it happen.

Step 3: Keep Appointment Times Consistent (If Possible)

Driver consistency is easiest when:

Your appointments are at the same time each week
You book in advance
Your addresses do not change often

When MAS schedules you with 7 Ocean Express consistently, we can better arrange the driver you prefer.

Why Many Riders Prefer the Same Driver

A familiar driver makes medical travel feel safer and calmer. This is especially true for:

Older adults
Patients with anxiety or sensory sensitivities
Dialysis riders
Veterans
People with mobility challenges
Anyone who prefers a supportive, patient driver

Having someone who understands your routine, mobility needs, and personality can make a world of difference.

At 7 Ocean Express, we treat every rider with the same respect and patience we’d want for our own family members.

MAS Rules vs. NEMT Company Flexibility: What You Should Know

It’s important to understand the difference:

MAS controls:

Eligibility
Trip authorization
Vendor assignment
Cost rules
Transportation levels

NEMT companies (like 7 Ocean Express) control:

Which individual driver is assigned
Customer service quality
On-time pickup
Vehicle condition
Rider comfort
Route management

This is why the best approach is:

Ask MAS for the provider → Ask us for the driver.

Frequently Asked Questions About MAS Driver Requests

Does MAS allow preferred-driver requests?

They do not officially assign drivers, but vendors can honor preferences internally.

Can I stick with the same provider?

Yes, if MAS approves your vendor preference.

What if MAS sends me to a different company?

Ask them to document your preferred vendor on your file.

Where can I learn more about Medicaid transportation rules?

Visit our FAQ page for helpful resources.

Need Reliable Medicaid Transportation in Brooklyn? We’re Here to Help.

If you want caring, patient, and dependable transportation for your medical appointments—dialysis, therapy, primary care, or specialist visits—our team is here to support you with dignity and kindness.

📞 Call us today: 718-714-1414
🌐 Or book through MAS and request 7 Ocean Express as your provider.

We’re proud to serve riders across Brooklyn and all of NYC with compassion and professionalism.

About 7 Ocean Express

7 Ocean Express is a licensed, Medicaid-approved Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) provider serving Brooklyn and the greater NYC area. We specialize in safe, reliable, and patient-focused transportation for medical appointments, dialysis, hospital visits, therapy sessions, and more. Our mission is simple: treat every rider like family and ensure they reach their healthcare appointments safely, comfortably, and on t