As we age, getting around isn’t as easy as it used to be. But with some adjustment, you can still do all of the things you love. Getting out of the house and around town just requires a different approach than it used to. With modern transportation tools and services, you can get where you need to go.
When it comes to visiting a doctor, getting there can be difficult. Fortunately, there are several non-emergency medical transportation options to help you get the care you need. Here, we’ll go over the basics of non-emergency medical transportation services and show you everything you need to know about using them.
What Is Non-Emergency Medical Transportation?
Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services are provided when you need to get medical attention but don’t have a means of getting there yourself. You may face obstacles that make it difficult to visit a hospital or doctor’s office on your own. Maybe you’ve had your driver’s license revoked because of vision problems. Or maybe you simply don’t feel up to driving, don’t have access to a private vehicle, or have a disability that prevents you from getting about easily.
Whatever the reason, non-emergency-medical transportation providers offer flexibility and options when you need to visit a doctor. They offer transport from your home, a nursing home, or another location to a medical facility. These services are designed for times of non-emergency needs, like when you have a check-up, made a medical appointment, or need vaccinations. If you're having an emergency, it’s better to call 9-1-1 to have an ambulance and qualified professionals address your needs.
According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, NEMT services are covered by Medicare and Medicaid programs. Most private insurers don’t offer NEMT coverage unless it is included as an additional plan benefit.
These services transport individuals to and from appointments. They also use the best-suited transportation options, including wheelchair vans and other specialized vehicles depending on your disability or needs. Providers must include coverage for all expenses involved in the transport.
Why Are NEMT Services So Important?
NEMT programs ensure you have access to the care you need. These services aren’t just for the elderly, they can also make access to medical care easier for you if you live in a rural area where you have to travel long distances to the nearest medical facility. They are also useful for people with ailments including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes. And these transport services are an important tool if you don’t have family or friends who can take you to and from appointments.
NEMT services can make the difference between good health and poor health. The American Hospital Association released a report highlighting the importance of transportation and health. The report emphasized the effects of high transportation costs and long travel times on health care access. They found that costs and other obstacles prevented people from seeking medical treatment, resulting in poor health outcomes and socioeconomic issues.
By providing non-emergency medical transportation services, communities can collectively improve health profiles and ensure vulnerable populations get the care they need. These services also help preserve senior independence. Next, we’ll go over what to know about using these transportation services and then give you alternatives that may benefit you.
What To Know About Using Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Services
Government-run NEMT services must abide by regulations that make these services affordable and accessible to people like you. Medicaid requires providers to offer non-emergency transportation options for Medicaid beneficiaries.
Medicaid NEMT providers must offer access across all political areas of your region, and patients are entitled to choose their preferred transportation method. In addition, providers must be prompt, and they have to provide the same services to all customers regardless of income level or other social factors.
Individual states also offer oversight and require that certain conditions be met when providing these services. States may provide their own transportation services or contract with a transportation broker to provide services. In some states, you’ll need to get pre-authorization before using NEMTs. This preauthorization usually involves having the doctor request or authorize the transport.
In other cases, you only need to provide proof that you were dropped off at a medical facility. To find out what you need to do before using these services, take a look at your Medicaid or Medicare policy, or call your state health insurance office for more information. You can also talk to your healthcare provider who can offer additional resources to help you understand your options.
In recent years, the Medicare and Medicaid programs have offered exemptions for coverage of transportation services. States may apply for waivers that limit transportation coverage to certain illnesses or certain types of appointments. This practice has become more common in states with Medicaid expansion. In these cases, you may need to work with a private insurer to get coverage for transport or use one of the options below.
Other Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Options
Many states and health insurance companies partner with local companies to provide transportation solutions. States and hospitals commonly work with rideshare companies like Uber, Lyft, and taxi services to offer transportation options and cost savings.
When states choose to limit transportation coverage, many hospitals and doctor’s offices come up with their own solutions to ensure their patients get the care they need. If you’re having trouble finding adequate transportation services, talk to your doctor who can offer insight and guidance on your options. You can also talk with loved ones and friends to identify and evaluate other providers that may offer easier or more accessible transport services.
In addition to rideshare and taxi services, some regions offer special arrangements for public transportation. You can take the local bus or metro to attend appointments and some programs include the option of having someone travel with you if that makes you more comfortable. These services are free or offered at significant discounts to improve affordability.
How To Use NEMT Services
The first thing you need to do when using NEMT services is to make a doctor’s appointment. That’s because most of these transport services are only offered for medical appointments, not for grocery shopping or visiting local stores. These appointments can include things like regular checkups, dialysis appointments, preventative services, and physical therapy appointments.
Once you’ve made an appointment, schedule a pickup using NEMT services or make plans to use an alternative like Uber, Lyft, or public transport. For taxi and ridesharing companies, you don’t need to call ahead, though you can schedule a pickup if that makes you feel more comfortable.
If you plan on using public transport, check to see if you need a transport card or if you can just buy a ticket at a kiosk or transit station. Also double check the transit schedule and choose which train or bus you will take. Note down what time it leaves.
If you’re using a local NEMT company, call them to schedule a pickup time that will get you to your appointment. You should book your transportation as early as possible to guarantee availability, though most NEMT services can adjust if you have a last minute appointment.
If your insurance company covers NEMT services, contact them beforehand as well to see if you need to use a specific provider or send in documentation after your ride. You can also ask if you have a copay and find out what costs you’ll be expected to pay.
If NEMT services aren’t covered by your insurance, ask the NEMT company how much the transport will cost. You can decide if it’s worth paying or talk to family to decide if using an alternative method is a better choice.
NEMT services vary state by state so you may need to call a few companies to get the best pricing. You can get the names of NEMT services from your doctor, from friends and family who've used a similar service, or from a Google search.
Staying Healthy as You Get Older
If you or a loved one need reliable medical transportation, NEMT services are an ideal solution. These services offer convenient pick-up and comfortable transportation whether you need something that’s wheelchair accessible or just a normal ride. NEMT benefits include reduced costs, increased access, and improved health outcomes. By increasing transportation access, NEMT services ensure that people get the medical attention they need.
Aside from making your regular appointments, there are things you can do to stay healthy as you age. Make time to connect with loved ones or use Snug's daily check-ins so someone always knows you're healthy and happy. After all, mental health is just as important as physical health.
We have you covered when it comes to understanding all the transitions that come with different stages of life. Whether you’re looking for a job to keep you occupied in your 60s or looking for ways to stay social, Snug is here to help.