Most people in NYC have no idea that the Medicaid plan they’re already enrolled in gives them access to free medical transportation — covering doctor appointments, specialist visits, physical therapy, dialysis, imaging centers, mental health appointments, and hospital follow-ups. And the part that surprises people most? The majority of eligible members never use it.
The Secret That Isn’t Really a Secret
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) has been a Medicaid benefit in New York for decades. It’s written into every managed care contract. It’s available to millions of New Yorkers. And yet the majority of eligible Medicaid members have no idea it exists — because nobody tells them. Doctors don’t mention it. Insurance companies don’t promote it. It just sits there, a covered service waiting to be used.
What’s Actually Covered
- All covered medical appointments — primary care, specialist, urgent care (non-emergency)
- Dialysis — typically 3 times per week, fully covered year-round
- Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy
- Mental health and behavioral health appointments
- Oncology: chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy
- Cardiology, nephrology, orthopedics, neurology — all specialties
- Lab work and diagnostic imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT, ultrasound)
- Hospital discharge follow-up appointments
- Dental and vision (where covered by your specific plan)
Round trips are covered — not just one way. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available at no extra cost.
Why Most People Don’t Use It
- They don’t know it exists. Healthcare providers and Medicaid plans rarely proactively inform members during enrollment or visits.
- They don’t know how to access it. Many members don’t know they need to call the plan’s transportation line 24–48 hours in advance.
- They haven’t needed it yet. Until you’re managing a chronic condition requiring weekly appointments, the cost of transportation doesn’t feel urgent.
The Real Cost of Not Using It
A dialysis patient attending three sessions per week makes 156 medical trips per year. At even $20 per Uber ride, that’s $6,240 per year in transportation costs — for a service that’s already fully covered by their Medicaid plan. That money doesn’t have to be spent.
How to Start Using Your Benefit Today
- Find the member services number on the back of your Medicaid card
- Call and ask: “Does my plan include non-emergency medical transportation?”
- Get the transportation scheduling number
- Schedule at least 24 hours before your appointment
- For recurring appointments, ask about standing orders
Metro Luxury is an authorized NEMT provider in NYC. TLC# B01389 | (718) 665-4900
