Yes—Medicaid pays for rides to covered medical care when you have no other reasonable way to get there. This Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) benefit can include bus passes, mileage pay, taxis/TNCs, wheelchair vans, or stretcher cars—whichever is the least costly appropriate mode for your needs. Here’s what’s covered and how to book. eCFR+1

Disclaimer: This guide is general information, not legal advice. NEMT policies vary by state and delivery system. Always confirm with your state Medicaid agency or health plan.

Quick answer: What NEMT covers (and what it doesn’t)

Covered: Trips to and from Medicaid-covered services (e.g., primary care, specialists, dialysis, outpatient mental/behavioral health, pharmacies where prescriptions are covered), using the least costly appropriate mode to the nearest qualified provider. Related travel costs can be covered when necessary (e.g., attendant, meals/lodging for overnight long-distance care). Medicaid+2Medicaid+2

Not covered: Non-medical stops or personal errands; trips when you already have reasonable transportation; transport to non-covered services; or choosing a more expensive mode when a lower-cost appropriate option exists. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesMedicaid

Bottom line: If it’s a Medicaid-covered service and you lack another way to get there, NEMT should be available—but the state decides the mode and will look for the nearest qualified provider. eCFRMedicaid

When Medicaid must provide transportation (the rule + 2025 updates)

Federal rules require every state Medicaid plan to ensure necessary transportation to/from providers and to describe how it will do so. States can provide transportation as an administrative activity or as an optional medical service—or both—and many use brokers to arrange rides statewide. In 2025, CMS reaffirmed and clarified policies in its Transportation Coverage Guide. eCFRMedicaid

• Assurance of Transportation: 42 CFR 431.53—states must ensure necessary rides. eCFR
• What counts as transportation: 42 CFR 440.170(a) (e.g., bus passes, taxi/TNC, wheelchair van, stretcher cars). eCFR
• 2025 CMS hub: Updated Aug 12, 2025, with beneficiary and provider materials. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
• 2023 Coverage Guide (SMD 23-006): Clarifies least-costly/most appropriate mode, nearest qualified provider, long-distance trips, wait times, no-load miles, related travel expenses, and TNC use. Medicaid+1

Bottom line: NEMT is required—but how you get it (broker, plan, or county) and what documentation is needed will vary by state. eCFR

Source: Medicaid.gov (Assurance of Transportation; SMD 23-006), last checked: September 7, 2025. Medicaid+1

Covered modes & when to use each (least-costly appropriate mode)

Key idea: States must choose the least costly mode that is still appropriate for your medical and functional needs—and generally to the nearest qualified provider. Medicaid

Table — NEMT modes at a glance

Mode	Typical use case	Notes
Public transit / bus pass	You can safely use transit and routes exist	Often the lowest cost option. Medicaid
Mileage reimbursement (self/friend)	You or someone can drive you	Paid per mile; documentation required; still subject to least costly rule. eCFR
Taxi / TNC (e.g., broker uses Uber/Lyft)	You need curb-to-curb ride; transit not feasible	Allowed if state/broker uses TNCs and it’s least costly appropriate. Medicaid
Wheelchair van (non-ambulance)	You need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle	Requires medical need; curb-to-curb or door-to-door. eCFR
Stretcher car / secure transport	You must ride recumbent or require securement	Non-emergency, non-ambulance medical transport. eCFR
Attendant (companion support)	You need assistance during trip	Transportation attendant can be covered; meals/lodging if necessary. Medicaid

Bottom line: Expect the simplest safe option first. Higher-level modes (wheelchair/stretcher) require medical need and may need documentation. Medicaid

Special situations: EPSDT kids, attendants, pharmacy trips, TNCs, long-distance & wait times

• Children & teens (EPSDT): States must offer and provide necessary assistance with transportation to EPSDT services and inform families that rides are available. Medicaid
• Attendants/caregivers: If medically necessary, states may cover a transportation attendant (and related meals/lodging on overnight trips). Medicaid
• Pharmacy trips: If the state covers prescriptions (virtually all do), it must also assure transportation to access them. Medicaid
• TNCs (Uber/Lyft): Permitted where states/brokers use transportation network companies—still subject to least-costly/most appropriate rules. Medicaid
• Long-distance trips: Guidance clarifies coverage of related travel expenses (meals, lodging) when overnight trips are necessary to reach care. Medicaid
• Long wait times & no-load miles: States may build these costs into rates or cover in limited cases to ensure access. Medicaid

Bottom line: Special cases are covered—but expect the state to check necessity, nearest provider, and cost-efficient options first. Medicaid

How to book a ride (FFS vs. managed care; brokers)

Many states contract with a broker (e.g., statewide call center/app). If you’re in a managed care plan, start with your plan’s NEMT line; otherwise, use your state/broker portal. The CMS fact sheet explains typical steps. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services+1

Checklist — Book a Medicaid ride in 10 steps

1. Find the right phone/app/portal (plan NEMT line or state broker).
2. Have your details ready: Medicaid ID, full name/DOB, pickup & drop-off addresses, appointment date/time, provider name/phone. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
3. Explain why you need NEMT (no working car/no license/disability/no other reasonable way). Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
4. Describe your needs: wheelchair, car seat, escort/attendant, language help. Medicaid
5. Ask for the earliest pickup window and return ride details.
6. Confirm the mode they’ll assign (bus pass, taxi/TNC, wheelchair van) and any approval needed. eCFR
7. Request mileage reimbursement instead if you have a safe driver—ask about forms/photo proof. eCFR
8. Set reminders and be ready before the pickup window; call if you must cancel. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
9. Keep receipts/confirmations (especially for mileage).
10. If denied or no-show: ask for a supervisor; file a plan grievance or state complaint; document everything. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Bottom line: Booking is straightforward if you have the right contact, documentation, and mode that matches your needs. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Mileage reimbursement: when self-driving is reimbursed

States can reimburse per-mile when you (or a friend/family member) drive to a covered appointment and it’s the least costly appropriate option. Expect to submit mileage logs, appointment proof, and sometimes photos or signatures. Details (rates, forms) are state-specific. eCFR

Bottom line: Ask your plan/broker about mileage pay—it’s often the simplest and cheapest way to meet the NEMT requirement. eCFR

If your ride is late, denied, or a no-show—what to do

• Late/no-show: Call the broker/plan number you used to schedule; stay calm; document; notify your provider. CMS advises contacting the ride service first. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
• Denials: You can appeal through your plan (managed care) or request a state fair hearing for coverage denials—especially if you believe the decision misapplied least-costly appropriate or nearest provider standards. (Appeals follow general Medicaid rules.) eCFR
• Repeated no-shows: Brokers may impose added steps (e.g., extra confirmations) if you habitually miss rides; always cancel promptly if plans change. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Bottom line: Treat NEMT like any medical appointment—confirm, be ready, and cancel if needed; if there’s a problem, document and escalate. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Costs, limits, and fraud/abuse reminders

• Copays: Some states list nominal NEMT copays in benefits tables; many charge $0. Check your state plan or member handbook. KFF
• Limits: States can set reasonable limits if they still assure access (e.g., nearest provider; prior approval for special modes). Medicaid
• Fraud/abuse: No extra stops; drivers and riders must follow the rules. Report suspected fraud to your plan/state or HHS-OIG. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Bottom line: Medicaid aims for access + efficiency—follow the rules and report problems so the program stays strong. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

State variations & how to find your exact rules

NEMT is required everywhere, but delivery models differ: brokerage, county-run, plan-carved-in, or administrative vs optional medical service arrangements—each with distinct booking and payment flows. For current details, start at your plan’s member ID card or your state Medicaid site. eCFRMedicaid

Bottom line: The rules are federal, but the process is local—check your state or plan’s NEMT page for forms, advance-notice windows, and contacts. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Sensitive facts & source stamps

• Assurance requirement: 42 CFR 431.53 (states must ensure necessary transportation). Source: eCFR, last checked Sept 7, 2025. eCFR
• Covered modes & broker rules: 42 CFR 440.170(a) (bus passes, taxis, wheelchair vans, stretcher cars; broker standards). Source: eCFR, last checked Sept 7, 2025. eCFR
• 2023 Coverage Guide clarifications (least-costly, nearest provider, long-distance/wait times/attendants): CMS SMD 23-006, last checked Sept 7, 2025. Medicaid+1
• CMS NEMT hub updated Aug 12, 2025: beneficiary/provider resources. Source: CMS, last checked Sept 7, 2025. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
• Program snapshots & spending context: MACPAC/KFF/GAO background. Source: last checked Sept 7, 2025. MACPAC+1KFFGovernment Accountability Office

Key takeaways

• Medicaid must ensure necessary transportation to covered care; NEMT is required nationwide. eCFR
• Expect the least costly appropriate mode to the nearest qualified provider. Medicaid
• EPSDT requires states to offer and provide transportation help for kids under 21. Medicaid
• Attendants, meals/lodging, long-distance trips can be covered when necessary. Medicaid
• If a ride is late/denied, escalate with your broker/plan and keep records; you can appeal coverage denials. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Next steps

1. Find your plan/broker NEMT line (on your card or state website) and book using the checklist above. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
2. Ask whether mileage reimbursement would be faster/cheaper for your situation. eCFR
3. If problems persist, file a grievance/appeal and contact your state Medicaid office. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

FAQs

1) Does Medicaid pay for Uber or Lyft to doctor visits?
Sometimes. States and brokers can use TNCs when it’s the least costly appropriate mode for your needs. Ask your plan/broker. Medicaid

2) Will Medicaid give me a ride to the pharmacy?
Yes—when prescriptions are a covered benefit, states must assure transportation to access them. Medicaid

3) Can my caregiver come with me?
If medically necessary, a transportation attendant can be covered; overnight trips may include meals/lodging. Medicaid

4) What if I have a wheelchair?
States can authorize a wheelchair-accessible van (non-ambulance) when medically appropriate. eCFR

5) What if my ride never shows up?
Call the same number you used to book; document the issue and notify your provider. Escalate to a supervisor if needed. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

6) Can I get paid for driving myself?
Many states offer mileage reimbursement if it’s the least costly appropriate option—ask for the form and rate. eCFR

7) Is NEMT available to children?
Yes. EPSDT requires states to offer and provide transportation help to access needed services for kids under 21. Medicaid