Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)

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Free rides to and from your medical and mental health appointments covered by Medicaid

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) services help get you to your medical and mental health appointments. You may be able to get rides if you have a Medicaid health plan like NC Medicaid Direct, a Standard Plan, a Tailored Plan or the EBCI Tribal Option. (See “How to Schedule a Ride” below for a complete list of health plans that can use this service.)

Get a ride to and from any Medicaid appointment, including:

• Visits to your Medicaid doctors or specialists
• Picking up prescriptions
• Mental health appointments
• Substance use treatment

Accessible rides are available. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Your caregivers can ride with you.

Download a printable flyer about getting free rides to and from Medicaid appointments. 

How to Schedule a Ride

You should ask for your ride at least two days before your appointment. For urgent pickups, like leaving the hospital or going to the pharmacy, you do not need to ask ahead of time.

Call your Medicaid health plan (shown on your health plan ID card) to schedule a ride:

Travel-related Reimbursements

If you drive yourself to an appointment, or if a family member or friend gives you a ride, you might get money back for travel costs such as:

• Gas vouchers
• Food
• Overnight or long-term lodging
• Parking fees and tolls
• Vouchers for taxis, ride-sharing services or public transportation
• Mileage reimbursements

The rules for getting money back are different for each health plan. Contact your health plan (check the list above) to learn more.

If There is a Problem With Your Ride

If you have a problem requesting a ride, or if the ride doesn’t arrive on time or if there’s any other problem, contact your health plan (check the list above). Ask them to fix the problem, or you can file a complaint with them. You can also contact the NC Medicaid Ombudsman, an independent group, to work with your health plan to help solve the problem.

Medicaid providers, DSS and county health departments can get fact sheets and more in the NEMT resources page of the Medicaid Managed Care County Playbook.