Top FAQs About Non-Emergency Medical Transportation in Michigan

Reliable Medical Transport
Dec 26, 2025
4 min read

Woman in a wheelchair smiles and holds keys near a car ramp. She's in a driveway, wearing a pink sweater and white hat. Background has trees and a house.

What You Should Know Before Booking Medical Transportation

If you’re searching for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) in Michigan—especially in areas like Grand Rapids, Kentwood, or Wyoming—you likely have a lot of questions. Who qualifies? What does it cost? Is it covered by Medicaid? How is it different from other transportation?

Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or healthcare provider, understanding how NEMT works can help you make the best decision for your mobility and care needs.

This blog covers the most frequently asked questions about NEMT in Michigan, including eligibility, coverage, booking steps, and what to expect on the day of service.

What Is Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)?

NEMT is transportation provided to individuals who need help getting to and from medical appointments but do not require an ambulance. Services typically include:

Ambulatory transport (for people who can walk with or without assistance)
Wheelchair transport (for riders who use mobility devices)
Stretcher transport (for individuals who cannot sit upright)

Unlike emergency services, NEMT is pre-scheduled, safe, and structured for comfort and support—especially for seniors, patients with disabilities, or those managing chronic conditions.

Who Qualifies for NEMT Services in Michigan?

NEMT is available to a wide range of individuals:

Medicaid enrollees who do not have access to reliable transportation
Seniors with mobility challenges
People with disabilities (physical or cognitive)
Patients recovering from surgery or illness
Veterans accessing care through VA services
Anyone using private pay who requires transportation for care

You do not need to be in a wheelchair to use NEMT—many ambulatory clients qualify for this service if they cannot drive or navigate public transit safely.

What Types of Appointments Can I Use NEMT For?

NEMT is typically used for medically necessary services, such as:

Primary care and specialist appointments
Dialysis
Cancer treatments (chemotherapy, radiation)
Physical and occupational therapy
Mental health and counseling
Hospital discharges and outpatient follow-ups
Dental and vision appointments (when covered)

Some providers, including Reliable Medical Transportation, also offer private-pay rides for non-covered services, such as grocery trips or family visits.

Is NEMT Covered by Medicaid in Michigan?

Yes—Michigan Medicaid provides transportation assistance through its NEMT program. If you’re enrolled in a Medicaid plan, you may be eligible for free or low-cost rides to covered medical services.

Coverage is typically administered through transportation brokers, such as:

LogistiCare (ModivCare)
Ride to Care
Other managed care organizations (based on your Medicaid plan)

Once your appointment is verified as medically necessary, the transportation broker assigns an authorized provider like Reliable Medical Transportation to fulfill the ride.

Is NEMT Covered by Medicare?

Original Medicare usually does not cover NEMT unless the transport is deemed medically necessary and arranged through a specific process (often for stretcher or ambulance rides). However:

Some Medicare Advantage plans may include transportation benefits
Many Medicare clients use private pay options for rides not covered under their plan

Always check directly with your insurance provider.

Can I Use NEMT for Non-Medical Events?

Yes, but only if you book it privately. Medicaid and insurance plans typically cover medical trips only.

At Reliable Medical Transportation, we also offer non-medical rides for:

Church services
Family events
Grocery shopping
Social outings

These rides are billed as private-pay and can be scheduled just like medical trips.

How Do I Book an NEMT Ride in Grand Rapids?

Booking a ride is easy with Reliable Medical Transportation. Just:

Call our office at 616-635-2981
Email us at richf.rmt@gmail.com
Visit https://www.reliablemedicaltransportation.net/contact-us and fill out our booking form

We’ll collect:

Pickup and drop-off locations
Appointment date and time
Mobility needs (e.g., wheelchair, walker)
Whether you need a return ride
Insurance information (if applicable)

We recommend scheduling 24–48 hours in advance for best availability.

What If I Need Recurring Appointments?

Many clients need regular transport for dialysis, rehab, or ongoing treatments. We offer recurring scheduling for weekly or monthly rides and can:

Assign the same driver whenever possible
Set consistent pickup windows
Adjust schedules for holidays or appointment changes

Let our team know, and we’ll coordinate everything to ensure a smooth, ongoing schedule.

What Makes Reliable Medical Transportation Different?

As a local Grand Rapids provider, we offer:

Trained, licensed, and background-checked drivers
Wheelchair-accessible vehicles with ramps and securements
Door-to-door assistance
Real-time ride confirmations
7-day-a-week service from 6 AM to 6 PM
Flexible private pay options

We serve clients throughout West Michigan—including Kentwood, Wyoming, Walker, East Grand Rapids, and Forest Hills.

What Is the Cost of NEMT?

For Medicaid-eligible riders: Covered rides are typically free when scheduled through your transportation broker.

For private-pay riders: Rates depend on:

Distance
Type of vehicle (ambulatory, wheelchair, stretcher)
One-way or round trip
Waiting time or return service

Call 616-635-2981 for a free quote based on your specific needs.

FAQs About NEMT in Michigan

Do I need a doctor’s referral for NEMT? Not always. For Medicaid-covered services, the appointment must be verified, but you don’t always need a referral. For private pay, no referral is needed.

Can I bring a caregiver or family member? Yes. One companion can ride with you at no additional charge. Please let us know during scheduling.

Are vehicles wheelchair-accessible? Yes. All our vans are ADA-compliant and equipped to handle manual and power wheelchairs.

What if my appointment is delayed or canceled? Call us as soon as possible. We’ll work with you to reschedule or wait if needed.

Do you serve rural areas? We serve Grand Rapids and surrounding suburbs. For longer trips or rural pickups, please call us to check availability.

What if I need a stretcher? Stretcher transport is available upon request and is typically arranged for clients unable to sit upright during travel.

Internal Links

[Wheelchair Transportation Services – https://www.reliablemedicaltransportation.net/wheelchair-accessible-transportation ]
[Book a Ride –https://www.reliablemedicaltransportation.net/contact-us]
[FAQ Page –https://www.reliablemedicaltransportation.net/faq]

External Resources

[Michigan Medicaid Transportation Program – https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs]
[ModivCare (formerly LogistiCare) – https://www.modivcare.com/]
[ADA Transportation Compliance – https://www.ada.gov/resources/opdmds/]
[Area Agency on Aging – https://www.aaawm.org/]

Final Thoughts: Clarity Makes Care Easier

Navigating transportation options while managing your health shouldn’t be difficult. With the right information and a trusted local provider, getting to your medical appointments can be simple, affordable, and stress-free.

Whether you’re new to Non-Emergency Medical Transportation or looking for a better experience in West Michigan, Reliable Medical Transportation is here to help. From Medicaid-covered rides to private-pay service for non-medical events, we’ve got your transportation needs covered—safely, respectfully, and always on time.