Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation is a Medicaid benefit that provides free rides to and from medical appointments for Medicaid enrollees who have no other way to get there. NEMT is one of the most widely available transportation benefits and covers:

- Doctor and specialist visits - Dental and vision appointments - Dialysis and chemotherapy - Mental health and substance use treatment - Pharmacy trips (in some states)

NEMT is available in all states as part of Medicaid. How it works varies — some states use ride-sharing companies, others use dedicated medical transport providers, and others reimburse mileage for personal vehicles.

Public Transit Assistance

Many states and localities offer subsidized or free public transit for low-income residents, seniors, and people with disabilities:

• Reduced fare transit passes for low-income riders
• Free or discounted passes for seniors (typically age 65+)
• ADA paratransit services for people with disabilities who cannot use fixed-route transit
• Subsidized monthly passes through social service programs
• Transit vouchers provided through workforce development programs

Volunteer Driver Programs

Volunteer driver programs connect people who need rides — particularly seniors and people with disabilities — with volunteer drivers who provide free or low-cost transportation. These programs are typically operated by:

- Area Agencies on Aging - Faith-based organizations - Nonprofit community organizations - Local government agencies

Volunteer driver programs are especially valuable in rural areas where public transit is limited. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or dial 2-1-1 to find programs near you.

Workforce Transportation Assistance

Several programs help low-income workers access transportation to jobs and job training:

- **TANF transportation assistance** — many states use TANF funds to help recipients pay for transportation to work - **Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)** — supportive services including transportation for job training participants - **State employment programs** — many states offer transportation subsidies for workers transitioning off public assistance - **Employer-provided transit benefits** — some employers offer pre-tax transit benefits

How to Access Transportation Assistance

Steps to find transportation help:

• If you have Medicaid, contact your managed care plan or state Medicaid office about NEMT
• Dial 2-1-1 for local transportation assistance referrals
• Contact your local Area Agency on Aging for senior transportation programs
• Ask your local transit authority about reduced-fare programs
• Contact your local workforce development board about transportation support for job seekers
• Ask your social worker or case manager — they often know about local transportation resources