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Free Medicaid Rides to Medical Appointments

If you have Medicaid and no way to get to the doctor, you may qualify for free rides through Medicaid's non-emergency medical transportation benefit, often called NEMT. Many people never use it because they do not know it exists.

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Free Medicaid Rides to Medical Appointments

What NEMT covers

NEMT helps Medicaid members who do not have a way to get to covered medical care, such as doctor and dental visits, dialysis, therapy, pharmacy trips and behavioral health appointments. Depending on your state and needs, help may be:

  • A bus or transit pass
  • Mileage reimbursement if a friend or family member drives you
  • A rideshare, taxi or van ride
  • A wheelchair-accessible van or stretcher transport

How to book a ride

  1. Call the member services number on your Medicaid or health plan card and ask for transportation, or call your state's NEMT broker.
  2. Book early. Many states ask for 2 to 3 business days' notice, though urgent trips may be allowed sooner.
  3. Have your Medicaid ID, appointment address, time and any mobility needs ready.
  4. Ask about standing orders for regular trips such as dialysis or therapy.

Rides for Medicare members and veterans

Original Medicare does not usually cover routine rides to appointments, but some Medicare Advantage plans include a transportation benefit, so check your plan. Veterans may qualify for VA beneficiary travel pay or rides through the Veterans Transportation Service and DAV volunteer drivers.

If your ride does not show up

Call the ride line right away to request a replacement, and tell your doctor's office. Keep notes, and file a complaint with your health plan or state Medicaid agency if problems continue.

Frequently asked questions

Can my family member drive me and get paid?

In many states, Medicaid will reimburse mileage to a friend or family member who drives you to a covered appointment. Ask your ride line how to set it up.

Can my child ride with me?

Children usually ride with a parent or guardian, and you may be able to bring an attendant. Tell the ride line when you book.

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Reviewed November 2026. This page was researched using official government and program sources. Programs change often, so please confirm details with each program before applying. How we research.

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