Medical Transportation

Overview

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) services consist of arranging and/or paying for transportation to approved Medicaid billable appointments.

Individuals wishing to request transportation assistance for medical appointments must be active Medicaid recipients. This applies to adults and children. If approved for services, transportation will be provided to the primary care physician or the nearest appropriate medical provider, by the least expensive method available.

Transportation requests must be made at least three (3) business days, for local medical appointments, and at least five (5) business days in advance for out of town trips.

The Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) program has one of the greatest volumes of assistance requests. In 2018 and 2019, 87,342 trips were completed. The monthly average between these two years was 3639.25.

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation services are maintained by three Income Maintenance Caseworkers. The number of clients each worker assists fluctuates from month to month, as trip requests for medical appointments are made by beneficiaries as needed.

The following individuals are not eligible for transportation assistance:

  • Authorized for Medicare-Aid (M-QB) only
  • Pending Medicaid applications
  • Trying to meet a deductible for Medicaid
  • Authorized for North Carolina Health Choice (NCHC)
  • Nursing home beneficiaries
  • Individuals receiving certain mental health services

Transportation services are only provided for Medicaid Covered services, and when the primary reason for the trip is medical care.

Specific Medicaid Covered Services:

  • Pharmacy
  • Community Alternative Program (CAP)
  • Annual Visits, Physical Therapy, or other limited covered services
  • Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT)

Transportation will only be provided to medical services which are closest to the beneficiary’s pick-up location. These services will not be granted for a provider at a significantly greater distance when the needed services can be obtained in the community. Services will not be provided for trips over 30 miles one-way from the beneficiary’s home.

 Anyone wishing to apply for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) services can do so by stopping by the local DSS agency, located at 612 College Street, Jacksonville NC, 28540. The agency’s contact number is 910-455-4145. Alternatively, interested parties can call DSS to establish services.

In-person interviews are not required. An assessment can be completed over the phone to initiate services. Caseloads are managed based on client’s last name. If interested, please call one of the following numbers according to the first letter of your last name:

  • 910-219-4920 for last names A-L
  • 910-219-4940 for last names M-Z