A lot of New Yorkers have no idea what they’re entitled to. Every day, thousands of Medicaid members in the Bronx, Queens, and Manhattan are taking cabs, calling Ubers, or skipping appointments — when they could have had a free ride waiting outside their door. Here’s the truth about Medicaid transportation and why it remains one of the most underused benefits in New York.
The Numbers That Should Surprise You
New York City has approximately 3.6 million Medicaid enrollees. A significant portion qualify for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) — scheduled, free rides to and from medical appointments. Studies consistently show that a large percentage of eligible beneficiaries never use the benefit.
The result: patients pay out of pocket for rides they shouldn’t have to pay for, or skip appointments because they can’t afford to get there.
What Medicaid Transportation Covers
- All medical specialties — cardiology, nephrology, oncology, neurology, orthopedics, and more
- Dialysis — three times per week, year-round, fully covered
- Mental health and substance use treatment
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Hospital follow-up appointments after discharge
- Diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT, X-ray, ultrasound) and lab work
- Dental and vision (where covered by your specific plan)
Wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available for patients with mobility needs, at no additional cost.
Why It’s Underused — The Real Reasons
- Lack of awareness — Healthcare providers and discharge planners don’t consistently inform patients about this benefit.
- Language barriers — NYC Medicaid members speak dozens of languages. When benefits communications aren’t available in their primary language, the benefit goes unused.
- Complex scheduling — Patients must call the plan’s transportation line 24–48 hours in advance — a requirement many aren’t aware of.
- Past negative experiences — Some patients experienced unreliable NEMT in the past and stopped trying. Provider quality matters enormously.
- Stigma — Some patients don’t realize NEMT is a benefit they’ve earned, and feel uncomfortable using a service they perceive as charity.
The Hidden Cost of Not Using Medicaid Transportation
A dialysis patient attending three sessions per week — 156 trips per year — spending $20 per Uber ride is spending $6,240 per year on transportation that is fully covered by their Medicaid plan. That’s money that doesn’t have to be spent.
How to Access Your NEMT Benefit
- Call member services on the back of your Medicaid card
- Ask: “Does my plan include non-emergency medical transportation?”
- Get the transportation scheduling number
- Schedule your ride at least 24 hours in advance
- For recurring appointments, ask about standing orders
Metro Luxury provides professional NEMT across all five NYC boroughs. TLC# B01389 | (718) 665-4900
