Does Medicaid cover transportation to appointments?
Last verified:
Yes. Every state must assure non-emergency medical transportation for enrollees who have no other way to get to covered care. Federal rule: mandatory assurance.
What federal law says
42 CFR 431.53 requires every state plan to specify that the Medicaid agency will ensure necessary transportation for beneficiaries to and from providers, and to describe how. This is the benefit people call NEMT: rides to appointments for enrollees without a working car, transit access or someone to drive them.
Most states run it through a transportation broker, which you call a set number of days before the appointment; the broker assigns a taxi, van, wheelchair vehicle, bus pass or mileage reimbursement for a friend who drives. Managed care plans usually contract their own broker, so the number is on the back of the card.
The ride must be to a Medicaid-covered service, and states may verify the appointment with the provider. Rides to the pharmacy are covered in many states, rides to non-medical destinations are not.
Children under 21
Covered for children, including a parent or escort when needed.
What to ask your state plan
- Book early; brokers commonly require 48 to 72 hours' notice except for urgent care and hospital discharge.
- Ask about mileage reimbursement if a family member can drive; it is often the fastest option.
- Find your state's agency, program name and phone on Medicaid by state.
Related questions
- Does Medicaid cover nursing home care?
- Does Medicaid cover assisted living?
- Does Medicaid cover home health care?
Common questions
Does Medicaid cover transportation to appointments?
Yes. Every state must assure non-emergency medical transportation for enrollees who have no other way to get to covered care.
Does Medicaid cover rides to medical appointments for children?
Covered for children, including a parent or escort when needed.
How do I find out whether my state's Medicaid covers rides to medical appointments?
Three places. Your plan's member handbook or benefit summary, which lists the covered services and limits; the state Medicaid agency's provider manual for the service, which is public and states the medical-necessity criteria; and the member services line on your card, which can run a coverage check for a specific procedure code. Our state pages list each agency's phone and portal.
Sources
- 42 CFR 431.53 (assurance of transportation)
- 42 CFR 440.170 (transportation)
- medicaid.gov: mandatory and optional Medicaid benefits
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