Yes. North Carolina Medicaid provides non-emergency medical transportation for eligible Medicaid members who need help getting to covered medical and mental health appointments.
What transportation does NC Medicaid cover?
NC Medicaid says NEMT can be used for covered appointments such as:
Visits to Medicaid doctors and specialists
Mental health appointments
Substance-use treatment
Prescription pickups
Other Medicaid-covered healthcare services
Accessible transportation is also available for people with mobility needs.
How do I schedule a Medicaid ride in North Carolina?
The process depends on the type of Medicaid coverage you have.
Members enrolled in a Standard Plan or Tailored Plan generally arrange transportation through their Medicaid health plan or its transportation network.
People enrolled in NC Medicaid Direct generally arrange transportation through their local Department of Social Services.
Your Medicaid card is a good place to start because it identifies your health plan and member-services information.
How far ahead should I schedule?
NC Medicaid currently recommends that most managed-care members request transportation at least two days before the appointment.
For NC Medicaid Direct, the state recommends requesting transportation at least four days ahead. Urgent situations, such as certain hospital discharges or pharmacy trips, may be handled differently.
Does Medicaid pay any transportation company I choose?
Not necessarily.
Medicaid transportation generally must be arranged through the appropriate Medicaid program, health plan, transportation network, or local DSS process.
If you independently hire a transportation company without following the required authorization process, Medicaid should not be assumed to reimburse the ride.
Can a caregiver ride with me?
NC Medicaid states that caregivers can accompany members on eligible NEMT trips. Members under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
What if I want to pay privately?
You can also arrange private-pay NEMT outside of the Medicaid transportation benefit.
This can be useful when a trip is not covered, when a family or facility wants to arrange transportation directly, or when a different level of service is desired.
Need help understanding your transportation options?
Magnolia Signature Care provides private-pay and contracted non-emergency medical transportation in the Triangle. For Medicaid-funded transportation, always confirm authorization through your Medicaid plan or program before the ride.