Did you know?
3.6 million Americans miss or delay medical care each year due to transportation issues. This disproportionately affects elderly, rural, and low-income patients.
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)
NEMT is a benefit provided through Medicaid in all 50 states. If you qualify for Medicaid, you likely have access to free or low-cost rides to medical appointments. Here's how it works:
- Who qualifies: Medicaid enrollees who need transportation to covered medical services and have no other means of getting there
- What's covered: Rides to doctor appointments, pharmacy visits, dialysis, physical therapy, mental health services, and other Medicaid-covered care
- How to request: Call your state Medicaid office or managed care plan. Most require 48-72 hours advance notice. Some states use a broker (like ModivCare or MTM) to coordinate rides.
- Types of transport: Sedan, wheelchair van, stretcher transport, public transit passes, mileage reimbursement for personal vehicles
Medicaid Transport by State
Every state administers NEMT differently. Some use statewide brokers, others let managed care plans handle it, and a few let patients arrange their own rides and get reimbursed.
Broker-Based States
States like Florida, Georgia, Texas, and New York contract with transportation brokers (ModivCare, MTM, LogistiCare). Call the broker to schedule rides. Your Medicaid card has the number.
Managed Care States
States like California, Ohio, and Pennsylvania include NEMT in managed care plans. Call your plan's member services. They coordinate directly or subcontract rides.
Fee-for-Service States
Some states allow patients to drive themselves or get rides from family and apply for mileage reimbursement. Keep detailed mileage logs and receipts.
VA Transportation for Veterans
Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare have access to several transportation programs:
- Beneficiary Travel: Mileage reimbursement (currently $0.415/mile) for travel to VA medical facilities. Apply at your VA facility's Beneficiary Travel office or through the VA Health Benefits Hotline.
- Veteran Transportation Service (VTS): Free rides operated by VA-employed drivers. Available at select VA medical centers. Wheelchair accessible.
- DAV Transportation Network: Volunteer drivers from Disabled American Veterans provide free rides to VA facilities. Contact your local DAV chapter.
- Veterans Transportation Program: Grants to community organizations providing veteran rides. Check with your local VA for participating organizations.
Ride-Share Health Programs
Major ride-share companies now partner with healthcare systems to get patients to appointments:
Health Plan Ride Programs
Many Medicare Advantage and Medicaid managed care plans now include ride-share benefits. Check your plan's supplemental benefits — you may have covered rides to medical appointments already.
Hospital-Sponsored Rides
Some hospital systems partner with ride-share services to reduce no-shows. Ask your provider's office if they have a transportation assistance program or can arrange a ride.
Other Transportation Resources
- Area Agency on Aging (AAA): Provides rides for seniors 60+. Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.
- 211 Helpline: Dial 2-1-1 for local transportation assistance programs in your area.
- Community Action Agencies: Local nonprofits that often provide medical transportation. Search your state + "community action agency."
- Faith-based organizations: Many churches, synagogues, and mosques coordinate volunteer driver programs for medical appointments.
- American Cancer Society: Road to Recovery program provides free rides for cancer patients. Call 1-800-227-2345.
Tips for Planning Medical Transport
- Call 48-72 hours ahead. Most NEMT programs require advance scheduling. Same-day rides are rarely available.
- Confirm the day before. Rides get canceled or rescheduled. A quick confirmation call saves you from being stranded.
- Keep records. Write down confirmation numbers, driver names, and arrival times. If a ride doesn't show up, you need documentation for a complaint.
- Know your rights. Medicaid NEMT is a legal entitlement. If your broker consistently fails, file a grievance with your state Medicaid agency.
- Have a backup plan. Keep a list of 2-3 alternative transportation options in case your primary ride falls through.
Get the Complete Transportation Toolkit
State-by-state directory, phone numbers, request templates, and checklists — all in one printable PDF.
View Toolkit — $19