Quick Answer: Texas Medicaid provides free transportation to medical appointments for eligible members who lack other transportation options.
Call your managed care organization (MCO) or HHS at 877-541-7905 to schedule rides to doctors, dentists, pharmacies, and other covered services—no copays required.
Eligibility & Access: If you have full Medicaid coverage (including children, pregnant women, seniors, or people with disabilities) and no reliable transportation, you automatically qualify.
The program serves 4 million trips yearly through Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT), offering vans, taxis, wheelchair-accessible vehicles, bus passes, or mileage reimbursement at $0.625/mile.
Request rides at least 3 business days in advance, though same-day scheduling may be available for urgent needs.
Understanding Texas Medicaid additional services like NEMT ensures you never miss critical healthcare appointments due to transportation barriers.
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)
NEMT is Texas Medicaid’s way to get you to cover appointments when you have no other ride, like to the doctor, dentist, or pharmacy.
It’s for non-life-threatening trips, handled by your managed care plan or the state’s Medical Transportation Program (MTP) if fee-for-service.
This covers 4 million rides yearly, saving lives by ensuring folks show up for checkups.
In 2025, the shutdown delayed some bookings, but services kept rolling, hospitals and MCOs stepped up.
NEMT ties to Texas Medicaid additional services, focusing on access for all.
Eligibility for Transportation Services
You qualify if you’re on full Medicaid (including kids, pregnant women, seniors, or disabled) and have no car, bus access, or ride from family.
No extra income test, it’s automatic with your benefits. Undocumented folks get emergency only, but citizen kids qualify.
For 2025, MTP serves 1 million, prioritizing rural and disabled. The shutdown didn’t change the rules, but confirmed the status.
See who qualifies for transportation, if unsure.
How to Request Transportation
Call your MCO’s transport line (e.g., LogistiCare at 877-633-8747) or HHS at 877-541-7905 if FFS, give appointment details, address, and needs like wheelchair. Online portals like YourTexasBenefits.com let you book too.
2025, apps added text reminders. The shutdown caused a backlog, so request early, free help from navigators.
For rides, check getting to medical appointments Texas MCO.
Types of Transportation Available
Options fit your needs: Shared vans, taxis, bus passes, or gas cards for friends/family. Wheelchair vans for mobility, ambulances if medically needed (non-emergency).
Mileage reimbursement if driving your own car, $0.625/mile round-trip. 2025 added Uber/Lyft pilots in cities like Houston. All free if eligible, no copays.
Advance Notice Requirements
Give 3 business days notice for routine trips, same-day okay for urgent things like dialysis or post-hospital. Weekends/holidays don’t count; call early for long-distance.
2025 rules stayed firm, but shutdown flexibility allows 24-hour notices in some MCOs. Always confirm, late requests might get denied.
Covered Destinations
Rides to any covered Medicaid service: Doctor, therapy, pharmacy, lab, or hospital. Includes mental health, dental, or vision, not groceries or non-medical.
For kids, school-based health is okay if Medicaid-covered. 2025 clarified telehealth, no ride needed if virtual.
Accompaniment Policies
One escort rides free if needed, like parents with kids under 16, or adults with disabilities. Extra escorts if medically required (doctor note).
For minors, adults must go; 2025 added flexibility for teens in rural areas. No pets unless service animals.
Mileage Reimbursement
If you or a friend drives, get reimbursed at $0.625/mile (up to appointment and back). Submit form with odometer readings, receipt to MCO within 95 days.
2025 rates held steady; caps at 600 miles round-trip without auth. Great for rural folks, pays gas, not tolls.
Transportation Vendors by Region
Texas uses vendors by MCO/region, LogistiCare/ModivCare mainly for many, Veyo in some. Here’s 2025 breakdown:
Texas Medicaid Transportation Vendors by Region
| Region | Main Vendors | Programs Served |
| Bexar (San Antonio) | LogistiCare, Veyo | STAR, STAR+PLUS |
| Dallas | ModivCare, SafeRide | All |
| El Paso | LogistiCare | STAR Kids |
| Harris (Houston) | ModivCare, Uber pilot | STAR, STAR Health |
| Hidalgo (Valley) | LogistiCare | STAR+PLUS |
| Tarrant (Fort Worth) | Veyo, ModivCare | All |
| Travis (Austin) | LogistiCare | STAR |
| Rural (West/Northeast) | Local taxis, MTP | FFS areas |
Call your MCO for yours, 2025 contracts renewed with more vans for demand. Shutdown hit dispatching, but backups in place.
Emergency Transportation vs. NEMT
Emergency is an ambulance/ER for life-threats, covered 100% under Medicaid, no request needed. NEMT is for non-urgent like checkups, book ahead, no sirens.
Difference: Emergency saves lives fast; NEMT saves trips. 2025, clarified air ambulances as emergency only. For ancillary, see ancillary services covered.
Texas Medicaid transportation services aren’t fancy, but they get you there, saving lives one ride at a time. If eligible, book today; HHS helps free. Your health’s worth the trip.
FAQ: Texas Medicaid Transportation 2025
What is Texas Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)?
NEMT provides free or low-cost rides to covered medical appointments for Medicaid beneficiaries who lack transportation. It covers doctors, dentists, pharmacies, labs, therapy, and hospitals, but not non-medical trips like groceries.
Who is eligible for Medicaid transportation services in Texas?
Full Medicaid members, children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities, qualify automatically if they lack transportation. Undocumented individuals receive emergency-only coverage. No additional income test is needed.
How do I request a ride?
Call your MCO’s transportation line (e.g., LogistiCare: 877-633-8747) or HHS at 877-541-7905 if you’re fee-for-service. You can also use online portals like YourTexasBenefits.com . Provide appointment details, address, and any special needs.
What types of transportation are available?
Options include shared vans, taxis, bus passes, wheelchair vans, ambulances for medical necessity, or mileage reimbursement if driving your own car. In some cities, Uber and Lyft pilots are available.
How far in advance should I schedule a ride?
Routine trips require at least 3 business days’ notice. Urgent trips like dialysis or post-hospital visits may be scheduled same-day. Some MCOs offer 24-hour flexibility.
Are escorts allowed on Medicaid rides?
Yes, one escort rides free when needed, for example, a parent with a child under 16 or an adult requiring assistance. Extra escorts may be approved if medically necessary. Service animals are allowed; pets are not.
How does mileage reimbursement work?
If you or a friend drives, you can be reimbursed at $0.625 per mile round-trip. Submit the form with odometer readings and receipts within 95 days of the appointment. Maximum 600 miles without prior authorization.
Who are the main transportation vendors in Texas?
Vendors vary by region and program. Examples include LogistiCare, ModivCare, Veyo, SafeRide, Uber pilot programs, and local taxis in rural areas. Availability depends on your MCO and region.
What’s the difference between emergency transportation and NEMT?
Emergency transportation covers life-threatening situations (ambulance to ER) and requires no prior approval. NEMT is for non-urgent trips like checkups, dental visits, and therapy; you must schedule ahead.
What should I do if no vendors are available near me?
Contact your MCO to request an out-of-network ride. Rural areas may use mileage reimbursement, community rides, or local taxi options. HHS can assist if you encounter gaps in service.
Conclusion
Texas Medicaid transportation ensures you can reach your medical care reliably and at no cost, even during the 2025 slowdown. If you’re unsure about your status, check who qualifies for transportation, explore transportation through your plan, and review Texas Medicaid additional services for extra support. Whether using rides, mileage reimbursement, or other ancillary services covered, the program is designed to keep you healthy by helping with getting to medical appointments when you need it most.
Don’t let transportation prevent you from getting the care you need. Understanding who qualifies for transportation and accessing transportation through your plan puts you in control of your health. If you need assistance getting to medical appointments, contact your managed care organization or call HHS at 877-541-7905 today. Your health matters, and Texas Medicaid transportation is here to help you reach it.
