Guide to Medicaid Transportation in Michigan

Non-emergency medical transportation, commonly known as NEMT, is a benefit provided by Medicaid to help eligible members get to and from medical appointments when they have no other way to get there. This benefit exists because the federal government recognizes that lack of transportation is one of the biggest barriers to accessing healthcare, especially for low-income, elderly, and disabled individuals.

In Michigan, NEMT services are administered through Medicaid managed care plans (also called HMOs or health plans). When you enroll in a Michigan Medicaid managed care plan, your transportation benefit is included as part of your covered services. This means you can get rides to doctor appointments, specialist visits, dialysis treatments, cancer therapy, prescription pickups, mental health appointments, dental visits, and other covered medical services at no cost to you.

NEMT is different from emergency medical transportation (ambulances). NEMT is for scheduled, non-emergency medical visits. It includes services like wheelchair-accessible vans, sedans, and other vehicles driven by trained, professional drivers who can provide door-to-door assistance.

You may qualify for Medicaid-covered non-emergency medical transportation in Michigan if you meet all of the following criteria:

• You are enrolled in a Michigan Medicaid managed care plan (such as Molina, Meridian, Priority Health, HAP, or Blue Cross Complete)
• You need to travel to a covered medical appointment or service
• You have no other reasonable means of transportation (you do not have a car, cannot drive due to a medical condition, or no family member or friend can take you)
• The medical service you are traveling to is covered by your Medicaid plan

It is important to note that NEMT is available for both physical and behavioral health appointments. If you receive Medicaid through a managed care plan and need a ride to any covered medical service, you are likely eligible for this benefit.

Some common situations where people use Medicaid NEMT include: recurring dialysis treatments (typically 3 times per week), chemotherapy and radiation therapy appointments, regular doctor checkups, specialist referral visits, dental appointments, physical therapy and rehabilitation sessions, mental health counseling, and prescription pickup from the pharmacy.

The process for requesting non-emergency medical transportation varies slightly depending on your specific Medicaid managed care plan, but the general steps are the same:

1. 1

   Know your plan

   Check your Medicaid card to identify which managed care plan you are enrolled in. The plan name will be printed on your card (e.g., Molina Healthcare, Meridian Health Plan, etc.).

2. 2

   Call your plan's transportation line

   Each plan has a dedicated phone number for transportation requests. Call this number and have your member ID, appointment date and time, provider name and address, and any special needs (wheelchair, etc.) ready.

3. 3

   Request your ride in advance

   Most plans require at least 2-3 business days' advance notice. For recurring appointments, ask about setting up a standing schedule so you do not need to call before every appointment.

4. 4

   Confirm your ride

   You will receive a confirmation with your pickup time and driver details. Some plans send confirmation via phone call, text message, or through their member portal.

5. 5

   Be ready for pickup

   On the day of your ride, be ready at least 15 minutes before your scheduled pickup time. Have your Medicaid card and any appointment paperwork with you.

You can also ask your doctor's office, social worker, or case manager to help arrange transportation through your Medicaid plan. Many healthcare providers have staff members who specialize in helping patients coordinate NEMT services.

When you ride with a Medicaid-approved NEMT provider like RK For Transportation LLC, here is what you can expect:

• Your driver will arrive at your door at the scheduled pickup time. We recommend being ready at least 15 minutes early.
• The driver will help you to the vehicle and assist with any mobility needs, including wheelchair loading and securement.
• The vehicle will be clean, sanitized, climate-controlled, and comfortable for the duration of your ride.
• Your driver will take you directly to your medical appointment. For round trips, the driver will either wait or return at a scheduled time.
• After your appointment, your driver will assist you back to the vehicle and drive you home safely.
• There is no cost to you for Medicaid-covered transportation. The transportation provider bills your Medicaid plan directly.

• Book your ride as early as possible. Most plans require at least 2-3 business days' notice, but booking a week ahead gives you the best chance of getting your preferred time.
• For recurring appointments (dialysis, chemotherapy, therapy), ask about setting up a standing ride schedule so you do not have to call before each visit.
• Keep your Medicaid card with you at all times. Your driver or the transportation coordinator may need your member ID number.
• If you need to cancel or reschedule, call as soon as possible. This helps the transportation provider serve other patients who need rides.
• Let the transportation coordinator know about any special needs when booking: wheelchair accessibility, oxygen equipment, a companion who needs to ride along, or extra time needed for boarding.
• Be ready at your pickup location at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time. Drivers may arrive early, and being ready helps keep the schedule running smoothly.
• If you have problems with your ride or the service, contact your Medicaid managed care plan's member services line. They can help resolve issues and ensure you continue to receive transportation.
• Save the transportation phone numbers for your Medicaid plan in your phone so you can easily request rides or make changes.