Two Paths to Your Medical Appointment
When you need a ride to a medical appointment in New Jersey, you generally have two options: Medicaid-covered NEMT (if you qualify) or private-pay non-emergency medical transportation. Each has genuine advantages — and real trade-offs. This comparison will help you decide which is right for your situation.
Medicaid NEMT in New Jersey
What It Covers
NJ FamilyCare (New Jersey Medicaid) covers transportation to and from medically necessary appointments for enrolled members who have no other means of transport. Coverage includes physician visits, dialysis, physical therapy, chemotherapy, and other Medicaid-covered services. The ride itself costs you nothing when properly authorized.
How It Works
You must contact your Medicaid managed care organization (MCO) — such as Horizon NJ Health, Aetna Better Health, Amerigroup, WellCare, or UnitedHealthcare Community Plan — at least 3-5 business days before your appointment to request a ride. The MCO dispatches an authorized NEMT provider to pick you up.
Advantages of Medicaid NEMT
- No cost to you — covered 100% when authorized
- Broad coverage — includes wheelchair van, ambulette, and in some cases stretcher transport
- Standing orders — for recurring appointments like dialysis 3x/week, you can get a standing authorization so you do not need to call before each trip
Limitations of Medicaid NEMT
- Advance notice required — typically 3-5 business days; same-day rides are difficult or impossible except in emergencies
- No vehicle choice — you are assigned a provider; you cannot select a specific company or driver
- Scheduling windows — pickups are often given in 2-hour windows rather than precise times
- Shared rides — you may share the vehicle with other patients, extending your travel time
- Prior authorization required — each trip or new appointment type requires MCO approval
- Service gaps — some areas of NJ have limited authorized NEMT providers, leading to longer wait times
Private NEMT in New Jersey
What It Covers
Private NEMT covers any trip you need on your own schedule, with a vehicle type and company of your choosing. You pay directly or through Medicare Advantage, workers' compensation, or a long-term care insurance policy that may reimburse the cost.
Advantages of Private NEMT
- Same-day availability — book with as little as a few hours' notice
- Precise pickup times — no 2-hour windows; your driver arrives at the agreed time
- Choose your provider — pick a company with the reputation, vehicle type, and service level you prefer
- Private ride — no shared rides; direct point-to-point transport
- No prior authorization delays — book and go
Limitations of Private NEMT
- Cost — wheelchair van trips typically run $65-$120 one-way; stretcher transport is $150-$300+
- Insurance coverage varies — Medicare Advantage may cover some private NEMT trips; check your plan
When to Use Each Option
Choose Medicaid NEMT when:
- You are enrolled in NJ FamilyCare and cost is a barrier
- Your appointment is scheduled well in advance (5+ business days)
- You have a recurring appointment and can get a standing order
Choose private NEMT when:
- You need transportation on short notice
- You require a precise pickup time (e.g., pre-op preparation with a strict start time)
- Your Medicaid authorization was denied or delayed
- You prefer to choose your provider for reliability or a specific vehicle type
The Hybrid Approach
Many NJ patients use both: Medicaid NEMT for regularly scheduled, advance-booked appointments and private NEMT for urgent or same-day needs. Contact Delta Medical Transportation to discuss your options. We work with Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, and private-pay patients throughout New Jersey.