Many people with long-term health issues, such as stroke and dementia patients, have to see many doctors and health care professionals every year. Drives to the neurologist, speech therapist, or physical therapist, as well as to your primary doctor, are usually frequent. And, you also may need to pick up prescriptions several times per month.

But what if you or your caregiver are not able to drive to those places? And what if you need more help than an occasional taxi? That is when you should consider non-emergency medical transportation or NEMT.

Non-emergency medical transportation services can help those who are in a wheelchair, and they can transport those who may also need to be in a stretcher. These transport professionals also can help you if you have a cane or walker.

NEMTs can be found in every state. How the programs work and the exact services they provide will vary.

If you are covered by the Medicaid program, states much have NEMTs available so that you can get to your covered medical service caregivers. You may need to get prior approval for such services.

NEMT Limits

Note that there are some restrictions to some NEMT services, such as the number of times you can use it each month. There also will likely be a co-pay involved, as well as restrictions on the people who can access the service.

In California, NEMT can only be used by Medicaid beneficiaries who are not able to use regular public transportation due to their physical limitations.

Private insurance companies don't usually cover NEMT. But you still should check with your insurance company.

To find an NEMT in your area, check the Internet, and also the Yellow Pages. Also, ask your healthcare provider about an NEMT that they recommend.

If you are still able to get to your medical care provider on your own, consider some of our Transfer Aids to ease your travels.

Our Safety Sure Transfer Pivot Disc is made for patients who can stand but cannot easily move their legs.