Most people have never heard of non-emergency medical transportation, or NEMT. It is a Medicaid benefit that covers rides to and from medical appointments for eligible enrollees - and it is one of the most underused benefits in the program.
If you have Medicaid and have been skipping appointments because you have no way to get there, this article is for you.
What NEMT Is
Non-emergency medical transportation is a benefit built into Medicaid that pays for rides to covered medical appointments. It is not for emergencies - ambulances are a separate matter - but it covers the everyday problem of getting to a doctor visit, a lab, a pharmacy pickup, or a specialist when you do not have a car or cannot drive.
The federal government requires states to provide NEMT as part of their Medicaid programs, but states have flexibility in how they run it. The result is that the program works differently depending on where you live - same basic purpose, different logistics.
What Does NEMT Cover?
NEMT covers transportation to and from medical appointments — doctor visits, dialysis, chemotherapy, physical therapy, and other non-emergency healthcare. It does not cover transportation to pharmacies, grocery stores, or social activities. Coverage is generally limited to Medicaid recipients, though some Medicare Advantage plans include NEMT as a supplemental benefit. Check your specific plan.
NEMT covers transportation to and from appointments for Medicaid-covered services. That typically includes:
- Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) coverage for primary care visits depends on your plan type. Original Medicare generally does not cover NEMT for routine doctor visits, but many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may, and Medicaid programs are federally required to provide NEMT for eligible beneficiaries to reach Medicaid-approved care.
- Under Original Medicare, non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) generally does not cover routine specialist appointments. Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer NEMT for routine visits as an added benefit, so it's worth checking your specific plan.
- Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) typically covers rides to and from appointments for lab work and imaging — but not the cost of the lab work or imaging procedures themselves.
- Dialysis
- Mental health and substance use treatment
- Pharmacy pickups in some states
What it does not cover: NEMT covers more than just medical appointments — it can also include trips for dialysis, chemotherapy, physical therapy, picking up prescriptions, and in some states, obtaining medical equipment. It is not available for errands, grocery runs, or general transportation. Some states have stricter definitions than others about what qualifies.
Wheelchair-accessible vehicles are widely available through Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) programs for riders who need them, though covered vehicle types vary by state. This is one area where NEMT often outperforms ride-share and even paratransit for medical-specific trips.
Who Provides NEMT Rides?
NEMT is typically arranged through your state's Medicaid managed care organization or a transportation broker contracted by your state. The broker dispatches rides through a network of transportation providers — which may include taxis, rideshare services, wheelchair-accessible vans, or stretcher vehicles depending on your needs. You do not choose the provider; the broker assigns one appropriate to your situation.
This depends on your state and your specific Medicaid plan:
- Fee-for-service Medicaid: Your state may run NEMT directly or contract with a transportation broker - a company that coordinates rides through a network of drivers and vehicles.
- Medicaid managed care plans: If you are enrolled in a Medicaid managed care plan (sometimes called an MCO), NEMT is usually coordinated through that plan. Your plan's member services number is your starting point.
- Medicare Advantage: Some Medicare Advantage plans include a transportation benefit for medical appointments as a supplemental extra, separate from Medicaid. As of 2026, approximately 24% of individual Medicare Advantage plans include this benefit - down from about 30% in 2025. Special Needs Plans (SNPs), particularly those serving dual-eligible enrollees, are more likely to offer it. Note that Original Medicare (Part B) does cover emergency ambulance transportation when medically necessary, and may also cover limited non-emergency ambulance transportation if your doctor provides a written order. If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, check both your MA plan documents and your Medicaid coverage.
How Do You Request an NEMT Ride?
Call the NEMT phone number listed on your Medicaid card or benefits letter — typically 24 to 72 hours in advance, though requirements vary by state. You will need to provide the date, appointment time, address of the medical facility, and your return transportation needs. Same-day requests are generally not accommodated except in urgent situations.
Start by calling your Medicaid plan or your state Medicaid office and asking specifically about NEMT. Most programs require advance notice - typically two to four days before your appointment, though that varies by state and program.
When you call, have ready:
- Your Medicaid ID number
- The date, time, and address of your appointment
- Your pickup address
- Whether you need an accessible vehicle
Some states use a dedicated NEMT reservation line run by a transportation broker. Your Medicaid plan or state Medicaid office can give you that number.
What Should You Expect When Using NEMT?
Expect to be picked up within a window of time, not at an exact minute. Rides may not be direct — other passengers may be picked up or dropped off along the route. The driver will not accompany you inside the appointment. Plan for the appointment to take longer than the medical visit itself, especially for return trips. Confirm the return pickup when you arrive.
- Scheduling window: Most programs ask for at least two days notice. Some require more. Urgent trips (leaving a hospital, picking up a prescription after a procedure) may have more flexibility.
- Shared rides: You may share a vehicle with other riders going to different appointments. This can mean a longer travel time.
- Cost: If you qualify for Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), the cost depends on your coverage. Under Original Medicare, you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting your Part B deductible. For non-emergency medical transportation to a covered appointment, costs can vary — some Medicare Advantage plans or Medicaid programs may cover the ride at no cost to you.
- No-shows and cancellations: If your ride does not show up, call the broker or plan line immediately. Document the time you called. Repeated no-shows on the provider's part can be appealed.
How Do You Find Out If You Qualify for NEMT?
Call the member services number on your Medicaid card and ask specifically about non-emergency medical transportation. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, review your Evidence of Coverage document or call the plan's member services line. Your doctor's office or social worker may also be able to tell you what is available and help you arrange a first ride.
Contact your state Medicaid office or your Medicaid managed care plan directly. Tell them you need transportation to a medical appointment and ask if NEMT is available to you. Eligibility generally follows Medicaid enrollment - if you have full Medicaid coverage, you likely have access to NEMT, but the specifics depend on your state and plan.
The Medicaid website at medicaid.gov has a state-by-state contact directory. The Eldercare Locator at eldercare.acl.gov can also help you find local Medicaid assistance.
What Should You Do If Your NEMT Ride Is Denied?
If your NEMT request is denied, ask for the reason in writing and request information about the appeals process. You have the right to appeal a Medicaid denial. Your state's Medicaid office has an ombudsman or advocate who can help you navigate a dispute. Your doctor's office may also be able to support your appeal with documentation of medical necessity.
States are required to have an appeals process for NEMT denials. If your ride request is denied, ask for the reason in writing and request information on how to file an appeal. Most states allow appeals through your managed care plan or through a state fair hearing process.
NEMT rules, covered services, and how to access rides vary significantly by state and Medicaid plan. Contact your plan or state Medicaid office for details specific to your situation.