Getting to a medical appointment can be difficult when you do not drive, cannot comfortably use a standard vehicle, or rely on a wheelchair or other mobility device. Non-emergency medical transportation, commonly called NEMT, is designed to help eligible patients reach healthcare services safely.
For Florida Medicaid recipients, transportation may be available when the recipient has no other means of transportation to a Medicaid-covered service.
What Is Non-Emergency Medical Transportation?
Non-emergency medical transportation provides transportation to healthcare appointments when the situation does not require emergency ambulance service.
Depending on the passenger's needs, transportation may involve a standard passenger vehicle, wheelchair-accessible vehicle, public transportation, or another appropriate transportation option.
Who May Qualify for Florida Medicaid Transportation?
The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration states that Medicaid-eligible recipients who have no other means of transportation may receive non-emergency transportation services for Medicaid-covered care.
Transportation arrangements can depend on the recipient's Medicaid plan and coverage. Patients should contact their Medicaid health plan or transportation administrator to verify eligibility and arrange covered transportation.
What Types of Appointments May Require NEMT?
Non-emergency medical transportation can help patients reach many types of healthcare appointments, including:
- Primary care appointments
- Specialist appointments
- Dialysis treatment
- Physical rehabilitation
- Dental appointments
- Behavioral health appointments
- Other covered healthcare services
What About Wheelchair Transportation?
Passengers who use wheelchairs may need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle equipped with an appropriate ramp or lift and wheelchair securement system.
When scheduling transportation, provide information about the passenger's mobility needs in advance. This may include the type of wheelchair being used, whether the passenger can transfer to a vehicle seat, and whether there are accessibility concerns at the pickup or destination.
Medicaid Transportation and Private-Pay Transportation Are Different
Not every medical transportation trip is paid for by Medicaid. Some passengers arrange and pay for transportation themselves.
Before scheduling a Medicaid-covered trip, confirm that the transportation arrangement has been authorized through the appropriate Medicaid health plan or transportation administrator.
Leyland Transport does not represent that every trip qualifies for Medicaid reimbursement. Passengers should verify coverage directly with their health plan.
Plan Your Medical Transportation in Advance
Whenever possible, arrange transportation before the day of the appointment. Having the following information available can make scheduling easier:
- Pickup address
- Medical facility or destination address
- Appointment date and time
- Passenger contact information
- Wheelchair or mobility requirements
- Accessibility concerns at the pickup location
- Whether another passenger or caregiver will accompany the rider
Choosing Transportation That Fits the Passenger
The appropriate transportation option depends on the individual's mobility and transportation needs. A wheelchair user who does not require medical monitoring during transportation may have very different needs from a patient who requires ambulance-level care.
If you are unsure what type of transportation is appropriate, discuss the passenger's needs with the transportation provider and healthcare provider before the trip.
Need Non-Emergency Transportation in Central Florida?
Leyland Transport provides non-emergency transportation services in Central Florida. We work with passengers and families to understand their transportation and accessibility needs before a trip is scheduled.
Learn more about our transportation services or request transportation through our booking page.
You can also visit our Frequently Asked Questions or contact Leyland Transport if you have questions about an upcoming trip.