In 2023, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation published a study that noted that over one in five adults without vehicles or public transit access admitted they skipped necessary healthcare appointments because they didn’t have transportation. This statistic means hundreds of thousands of people miss out on essential medical treatment that could improve their health every year.
Those with Medicare often wonder: Does Medicare cover NEMT (non-emergency medical transportation)? Learn about Medicare NEMT coverage and how Traversa wheelchairs can make the process easier.
What is NEMT?
NEMT, or non-emergency medical transportation, is a service offered to patients who need transportation to hospitals or clinics but are not in conditions severe enough to warrant an ambulance. These vehicles, typically vans, have accommodations for patients in wheelchairs or who need extra assistance getting in and out.
What Types of Transportation Does Medicare Cover?
Medicare covers transportation in emergency situations. Whether in an ambulance or helicopter, urgent transportation services are covered because they’re considered life-saving.
Medicare may also cover non-emergency transportation if a doctor orders it, explaining that it is necessary for the client.
Does Medicare Cover Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)?
Medicare may cover non-emergency transportation in some cases. For Medicare to cover the cost of NEMT, a patient will need their doctor to give a written order declaring the medical necessity of the transportation. Doctors can issue a written order for serious medical conditions that require frequent visits, like dialysis appointments or physical therapy.
Even if your doctor gives you a written order, you should still contact Medicare to confirm they will cover the service. A written order is not a guarantee, so contacting Medicare directly is the best solution.
Doctors are likely to give a written order if:
- Patients can’t drive themselves because of a disability or chronic illness
- Patients live in areas that lack public transportation sources or options for private transportation
- Patients cannot afford common transportation services
Do Medicare Advantage Plans Offer Transportation Assistance?
Private companies that contract with Medicare offer Medicare Advantage plans. These plans often include extra benefits that a traditional Medicare plan doesn’t.
With a Medicare Advantage plan, patients may have additional transportation benefits that cover getting them to and from appointments. The type of transportation covered on a plan differs between coverage levels and providers. Contact your Medicare Advantage provider and ask about NEMT Medicare services to better understand your benefits.
Get Your Own Traversa Chair Today
In some circumstances, Medicare NEMT coverage may be available for you. If you prefer to have your own transport wheelchair that fits in your accessible vehicle, we have custom-fit options for you as well! The Traversa Transport Wheelchair is fully compliant with WC19 safety standards and designed for dependable comfort. For additional choices, explore our wheelchairs with WC19-certified transport packages to help you or a loved one travel safely to and from appointments.
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