How Much Does Medicaid Pay for Non Emergency Transportation? A Complete 2026 Guide

Before diving into the costs, it’s vital to understand what non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) actually covers. Unlike emergency medical transport (ambulance for life-threatening situations), NEMT services are designed for patients who are stable but have no reliable way to access their healthcare providers.

This includes transportation to and from medical appointments, dialysis centers, pharmacies, and physical therapy sessions. NEMT providers offer various modes of travel depending on the patient’s physical condition, such as:

• Standard medical rides (Ambulatory)

• Wheelchair transportation

• Non-emergency stretcher transport

• Non-emergency ambulance transport

How Much Does Medicaid Pay for Non-Emergency Transportation?

The short answer is: Medicaid usually covers 100% of the cost for eligible beneficiaries. However, the “pay” or reimbursement rate that NEMT companies near me receive varies significantly by state and the type of vehicle required.

1. Standard Ambulatory Rates

For a basic medical ride where the patient can walk, Medicaid typically pays a base load fee plus a per-mile rate.

• Base Rate: $10 – $25 per trip.

• Mileage: $1.00 – $2.50 per mile.

2. Wheelchair Transportation Rates

Because medical transport vans for wheelchairs require hydraulic lifts and specialized training, the rates are higher.

• Base Rate: $30 – $60.

• Mileage: $2.00 – $3.50 per mile.

3. Stretcher Transportation Near Me

For patients who cannot sit upright, stretcher transportation is required. This is one of the most expensive forms of private medical transport.

• Base Rate: $150 – $250.

• Mileage: $3.50 – $5.00 per mile.

4. Long Distance Medical Transport

If you require long-distance patient transport (often across state lines), Medicaid coverage becomes more complex. While local rides are standard, affordable long-distance medical transportation usually requires “Prior Authorization” to prove that the specialized care isn’t available locally.

Who Qualifies for Medical Transportation Assistance?

To get transportation to medical appointments paid for by Medicaid, you generally must meet these criteria:

1. Valid Medicaid Enrollment: You must be active in a state Medicaid program.

2. No Other Means of Transport: You don’t have a working car, a driver’s license, or a friend/family member who can drive you.

3. Physical or Mental Limitation: You require a patient transport service due to a disability (e.g., needing a medical transport van for a wheelchair).

If you meet these, you can search for nemt providers and schedule your ride.

Types of NEMT Services Covered

Medicaid isn’t just for taxis. Depending on your needs, the medical transportation service might include:

Private Medical Transport

For those who need more privacy or specialized care, private medical transport offers door-to-door service. This is ideal for non-emergency hospital transport after a surgery or discharge.

Non-Emergency Ambulance Transport

If a patient requires basic life support (BLS) monitoring but isn’t in an emergency, non-emergency ambulance transport is utilized. Medicaid pays a premium for this service compared to a standard medical ride.

Long Distance Non-Emergency Medical Transportation

For interstate medical transport, specialized long distance medical transport companies provide bed-to-bed care. These trips are often coordinated through non-emergency medical transportation brokers.

How to Find NEMT Companies Near Me?

Finding the best non-emergency medical transportation starts with knowing who coordinates the rides in your state. Most states use non-emergency medical transportation brokers (like MTM or Veyo) to manage their NEMT transportation network.

1. Call your Medical Transportation Phone Number: This is usually found on the back of your Medicaid ID card.

2. Search Locally: Look for medical transportation services near me that accept Medicaid.

3. Check Reviews: Look for nemt companies with high safety ratings and clean medical transport vans.

The Role of NEMT Providers and Brokers

The NEMT services ecosystem involves two main players:

• Brokers: They don’t own the vans; they take your call and assign the trip to a local company.

• Providers: These are the actual medical transportation companies that pick you up.

If you are a provider, you must ensure your patient transportation protocols meet state standards to receive Medicaid payments. For patients, choosing a reputable medical transportation service ensures that your non medical transport needs are met with professionalism and care.

Cost-Sharing and Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Does the patient ever pay? In most cases, NO.

Medicaid is designed to remove barriers. However, if you choose a private medical transport company that is not in the Medicaid network, you may have to pay out of pocket. To avoid this, always verify that your medical transportation assistance is pre-approved.

Average Cost Breakdown Table (Estimate Only)

Why NEMT is Essential for Healthcare

Without care transportation, many seniors and disabled individuals would miss life-saving treatments like dialysis or chemotherapy. Non-medical transport and NEMT contribute to:

• Reduced hospital readmissions.

• Better management of chronic diseases.

• Lower overall healthcare costs (preventing emergencies).

Whether it’s a simple ride to the hospital or a long-distance ambulance transport, these services are the backbone of health equity.