What Does NEMT Cover (and Not Cover)?
Written by Rachel Scholler
Founder, NEMT Growth Consultants
www.nemtgc.com
Why This Question Comes Up
When people hear about Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT), they often assume it’s like a taxi service that can take them anywhere. But NEMT has a very specific purpose: ensuring patients get to medical care when they have no other way.
What NEMT Typically Covers
Depending on state rules and contracts, NEMT usually covers:
– Doctor appointments
– Dialysis
– Physical therapy
– Hospital discharges
– Specialist visits
– Behavioral health appointments
– Dental visits (if Medicaid includes dental in your state)
What NEMT Does Not Cover
Most NEMT programs do not cover:
– Grocery trips
– Social visits
– Work or school transportation
– Errands or personal trips
Why Clarity Matters
Confusion over coverage leads to frustration for both patients and providers. For example, a driver may arrive expecting a dialysis run only to find the client requesting a trip to the grocery store. That’s a recipe for complaints and wasted time.
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