FAQ

Q: Does Medicare pay for non-emergency medical transportation?
A: Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) generally does not cover transportation to get routine health care. However, it may cover non-emergency ambulance transportation to and from a health-care provider.

Q: How does medical transportation work?
A: Nonemergency Medical Transportation
You will need a prescription from a licensed provider. If you have FFS Medi-Cal, please inform your medical provider. They can prescribe NEMT and put you in touch with a transportation provider to coordinate your ride to and from your appointment(s).

Q: Who pays for non-emergency medical transportation?
A: Medicaid covers rides for eligible individuals to and from the doctor’s office, the hospital, or another medical office for Medicaid-approved care. This coverage is called “non-emergency medical transportation,” because it does not involve a medical emergency.

Q: How much do nonmedical transportation companies make?
A: If you want to start a non-emergency medical transport company, you need a van or SUV that permits easy access to and from your vehicle and a lifting ramp for wheelchairs. You can expect to earn an income averaging between $40,000 and $50,000 annually.

Q: Should I tip a medical transport driver?
A: Just as you’re not required to tip your physician or your dentist, there’s no rule that says you must tip your emergency medical transportation driver. … A standard tip can go a long way toward brightening your driver’s day.

Q: What is the cost of medical transportation?
A: The prices of an average transport for both ground and air are listed below. It will cost you roughly $10,000 to $20,000 for your average trip by air ambulance. A ground medical transport can run you around $3,500 or more per trip, dependent upon where the patient(s) are being transported to.

Q: How much does a medical transportation business make?
A: The average annual income for a non-emergency medical transport company owner was $46,000 as of 2013, according to the job site Indeed. While a high school degree is sufficient, a bachelor’s in business can provide you with some marketing and finance background to better run your company.

Q: How do I become a transportation provider for insurance?
A: Most companies request a high school diploma or GED. You will have to obtain a commercial driver’s license and, depending on the state, the license must allow you to transport passengers. A good driving record is also important, with minimal tickets and accidents.

Q: Does United Healthcare cover transportation to doctor’s appointments?
A: UnitedHealthcare covers ambulance services only if they are furnished to a beneficiary whose medical condition is such that the use of any other means of transportation is contraindicated.

Q: How much does nonemergency medical transportation make?
A: If you want to start a non-emergency medical transport company, you need a van or SUV that permits easy access to and from your vehicle and a lifting ramp for wheelchairs. You can expect to earn an income averaging between $40,000 and $50,000 annually.