Getting to your medical appointments shouldn't be a barrier to good health. But for many seniors, especially those who no longer drive or live in areas without convenient public transit, transportation is a real challenge.
Does Original Medicare Cover Transportation?
In most cases, no. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover non-emergency medical transportation to routine doctor appointments. It only covers ambulance transportation in emergency situations, or when other transportation would endanger your health.
This gap leaves many Medicare beneficiaries responsible for arranging and paying for their own rides to appointments — which can be costly and inconvenient.
Do Medicare Advantage Plans Cover Transportation?
Many do. One of the most popular extra benefits offered by Medicare Advantage plans is non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). This typically includes rides to and from:
- Doctor and specialist visits
- Physical therapy or dialysis
- Pharmacy pickups
- Outpatient procedures
- Mental health appointments
How Many Trips Are Covered?
The number of covered trips varies by plan. Common benefit amounts include:
- 12–24 one-way trips per year
- Unlimited trips for specific conditions (such as dialysis)
- A combination of medical and non-medical trips
Some plans also include rides to non-medical destinations like grocery stores or pharmacies as part of a broader "social determinants of health" benefit.
How Do I Use the Transportation Benefit?
If your Medicare Advantage plan includes transportation, you typically:
- Call your plan's transportation line or use their app to schedule a ride
- Provide your appointment details and pickup location
- A driver arrives to take you to and from your appointment
Most plans contract with ride networks like Lyft, Uber Health, or specialized medical transportation companies.