Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does Non-Emergency Medical Transport (NEMT) Cost?
Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type / Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelchair Van | $75 – $250 | $0 – $25 |
| Stretcher Transport (non-emergency) | $200 – $500 | $25 – $75 |
| Medical Sedan/Rideshare | $25 – $75 | $0 – $15 |
| Long-Distance Medical Transport | $500 – $3,000 | $100 – $500 |
CPT/ADA Code: CPT A0080
What Affects the Cost
- Facility type (freestanding center vs. hospital — hospitals cost 2-3x more)
- Geographic location
- Complexity of the visit or test
- Whether additional tests or procedures are needed
- In-network vs. out-of-network provider
- Time of day (emergency/after-hours may cost more)
Insurance Coverage
Typical coverage: Medicaid covers NEMT; Medicare Advantage and some commercial plans offer limited coverage
Most diagnostic tests and urgent care visits are covered when medically necessary with a doctor's order. You'll pay your deductible first, then coinsurance (typically 20-40%). Preventive screenings are covered at $0 under the ACA. Always use in-network providers to avoid surprise bills.
How to Save Money
- Freestanding facilities cost 50-70% less than hospital-based
- Ask for cash-pay pricing upfront — often 40-60% less than billed rate
- Compare prices on MDsave.com or Healthcare Bluebook
- Use urgent care instead of ER for non-emergencies (save $1,000+)
- Telehealth visits cost $50-$100 for many conditions
- Check if the service qualifies as preventive care ($0 with insurance)
Related Procedures & Costs
Frequently Asked Questions
A wheelchair van costs $75-$250 per trip. Stretcher transport costs $200-$500. Medical sedans or rideshare services cost $25-$75. Long-distance transport can cost $500-$3,000. Prices depend on distance and level of service.
Medicaid covers non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) as a required benefit. Medicare covers ambulance transport but not routine NEMT (some Medicare Advantage plans do). Commercial insurance rarely covers non-emergency transport.
Medicaid recipients can call their plan's NEMT broker (often ModivCare or LogistiCare). Private services include local transport companies, Uber Health, and Lyft healthcare rides. Book 48-72 hours in advance for non-emergency trips.