What Is the NJ FamilyCare NEMT Benefit?
NJ FamilyCare is New Jersey's comprehensive Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), covering more than 2 million New Jersey residents. As part of that coverage, eligible members receive a non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) benefit — a federally mandated service that ensures transportation barriers don't prevent people from accessing the healthcare they need.
Under federal Medicaid law (42 CFR § 431.53), every state must ensure that NEMT is available to Medicaid beneficiaries who have no other way to reach covered medical services. In New Jersey, this benefit is administered through managed care organizations (MCOs) and, in some cases, through transportation brokers who coordinate rides on their behalf. Whether you need a wheelchair-accessible van, a stretcher vehicle, or an ambulatory ride, NJ FamilyCare can cover it — if you know how to access it.
Who Is Eligible for NJ FamilyCare NEMT?
Eligibility for the NEMT benefit flows from your NJ FamilyCare enrollment. If you are an active NJ FamilyCare member and need transportation to a Medicaid-covered medical service, you are generally eligible. Specific criteria include:
- Active enrollment in NJ FamilyCare (any plan level: Plan A, B, C, D, or ABP)
- The destination must be a Medicaid-covered service — doctor visits, dialysis, physical therapy, mental health appointments, specialist consultations, lab work, and hospital follow-ups all qualify
- You must have no other reasonable means of transportation — no private vehicle, no family member who can drive you without hardship, and no accessible public transit option
- The trip must be to a provider who accepts NJ FamilyCare
There is no age restriction. Children, working-age adults, seniors, and individuals with disabilities who are enrolled in NJ FamilyCare may all qualify. Pregnant women enrolled during pregnancy also have NEMT access for prenatal and postpartum appointments.
NJ FamilyCare Managed Care Plans and NEMT
Most NJ FamilyCare members are enrolled in one of five managed care organizations. Each MCO manages the NEMT benefit differently, though all must meet minimum state standards. Here is an overview of the major plans:
Amerigroup New Jersey
Amerigroup members access NEMT by calling the transportation line on the back of their member ID card. Amerigroup typically works with a transportation broker to coordinate rides. Prior authorization is required for all trips, and the standard advance notice requirement is 72 hours. Recurring trips (like dialysis) can be set up as standing orders.
Horizon NJ Health
Horizon NJ Health is one of the largest NJ FamilyCare plans and has a well-established NEMT program. Members call member services, which routes transportation requests to their broker network. Horizon generally requires 48 hours advance notice for routine trips.
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of NJ
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan members call the UnitedHealthcare transportation line. The plan uses LogistiCare (now ModivCare) as its primary NEMT broker in New Jersey. Members should call at least 48-72 hours before their appointment. See our guide on how NEMT brokers like ModivCare work in NJ for more detail.
Aetna Better Health of NJ
Aetna Better Health members request transportation through the Aetna member services line. Aetna coordinates with approved transportation providers and brokers. Members with complex medical needs (oxygen dependency, bariatric needs, stretcher requirement) should clearly communicate those needs at the time of booking.
WellCare by Horizon
WellCare by Horizon offers NEMT as a covered benefit. Members call the transportation coordination number printed on their ID card. Like other plans, WellCare uses a managed network of transportation providers.
Levels of NEMT: What Type of Vehicle Do You Need?
NJ FamilyCare authorizes different levels of transportation based on your medical condition and mobility status. Understanding which level applies to you helps ensure you get the right vehicle:
- Ambulatory/Sedan Transport — For patients who can walk, climb steps, and sit in a standard vehicle. Least expensive and most readily available.
- Wheelchair Van Transport — For patients who use a manual or power wheelchair, or who cannot climb steps safely. Requires a vehicle with a ramp or lift. Delta's wheelchair-accessible vans are purpose-built for this transport level.
- Stretcher/Ambulette Transport — For patients who must travel in a reclined position due to medical conditions (post-surgical, severe respiratory issues, inability to sit upright). Learn more about Delta's stretcher transport service.
Your MCO will authorize the appropriate transport level based on documentation from your treating physician. If your condition requires a wheelchair van but you've only been authorized for ambulatory transport, ask your doctor to submit updated documentation of your mobility limitations.
Dialysis Standing Orders Through NJ FamilyCare
One of the most important — and most used — NEMT benefits under NJ FamilyCare is transportation for dialysis patients. Because dialysis typically occurs three times per week, every week, requesting individual trips each time is impractical. NJ FamilyCare allows for standing orders for recurring medical appointments.
A dialysis standing order means your transportation is automatically scheduled for each treatment session without requiring a new request each time. To set up a standing order, your dialysis center or nephrologist submits the recurring appointment schedule to your MCO. Once approved, your transportation provider is notified and your rides are pre-scheduled. Delta Medical Transportation works with dialysis centers across New Jersey to maintain reliable standing orders for our patients. Learn more about our dedicated dialysis transportation service.
How to Request NEMT Through NJ FamilyCare
The process for requesting a Medicaid ride through NJ FamilyCare follows a predictable sequence:
- Call your MCO's member services line — the number is on the back of your NJ FamilyCare card. Tell them you need transportation to a medical appointment.
- Provide trip details — appointment date and time, pickup address, destination address, your transport level need (ambulatory, wheelchair, stretcher), and any special equipment requirements.
- Book at least 48-72 hours in advance — most plans require at least two business days' notice. Last-minute or same-day requests are difficult to accommodate through the Medicaid system.
- Request a return trip — if you need a ride home, book it at the same time as your outbound trip.
- Get a confirmation number — always ask for a confirmation number and the name of the transportation provider that will be picking you up.
- Confirm the day before — call your transportation provider or the broker to confirm your pickup time.
What Happens If Your NEMT Request Is Denied?
Denials can happen, but you have rights. Common reasons for denial include: the destination provider doesn't accept NJ FamilyCare, the trip is deemed non-medically-necessary, or the request was submitted too late. If your NEMT request is denied:
- Ask for the denial in writing and the specific reason
- Request a reconsideration or appeal through your MCO — you typically have 20-30 days to appeal
- Ask your doctor to submit a letter of medical necessity supporting the transport
- Contact the NJ Ombudsman for the Institutionalized Elderly or the NJ Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (DMAHS) if you believe the denial is unjust
- Consider private-pay NEMT from Delta as a bridge while your appeal is processed — contact us to discuss options
How Delta Medical Transportation Works With NJ FamilyCare
Delta Medical Transportation is an authorized transportation provider in New Jersey. We work within the NJ FamilyCare system, coordinating with managed care organizations and NEMT brokers to provide covered rides for eligible members. When your MCO assigns Delta as your transportation provider, you can expect:
- On-time pickup within the scheduled window
- Properly equipped vehicles matched to your transport level
- Trained, professional drivers experienced with medically complex passengers
- Courteous service that respects your dignity and privacy
If you'd like to request Delta specifically, ask your MCO's transportation coordinator whether Delta is in their approved network and whether you can request a preferred provider. Contact us for more information on how we work with NJ FamilyCare plans.
Can I schedule a same-day Medicaid ride through NJ FamilyCare?
Same-day rides through NJ FamilyCare are very difficult to obtain because most MCOs require 48-72 hours advance notice. Same-day requests are generally only considered in urgent situations, and even then, availability is not guaranteed. If you need a ride today, contact Delta directly — we can often accommodate same-day private-pay requests when insurance transport isn't available.
Do I need a doctor's referral to get Medicaid transportation?
Not always, but some MCOs require physician documentation — particularly for wheelchair van or stretcher transport, which requires proof of medical necessity. For ambulatory transport to routine appointments, a referral is typically not required. Check with your specific managed care plan.
Can NJ FamilyCare transport take me to appointments in another county?
Yes. NJ FamilyCare NEMT covers trips to any in-network provider in New Jersey, regardless of county. Out-of-state trips require prior authorization and are generally limited to situations where the needed specialist or service is unavailable within New Jersey.
What if I use a power wheelchair or scooter — does that affect my transport?
Yes, you'll be authorized for wheelchair van transport, and the provider must have a vehicle with a lift rated to accommodate your chair's weight and dimensions. When booking, always specify the type and approximate weight of your mobility device so the correct vehicle is dispatched.
How do I find out which managed care plan I'm on?
Your plan name is printed on your NJ FamilyCare ID card. You can also call the NJ FamilyCare helpline at 1-800-701-0710 to confirm your enrollment and plan details.
For more information on navigating NJ's NEMT system, read our overview of Medicaid medical transportation in New Jersey or explore our insurance coverage page. Ready to schedule a ride? Contact Delta Medical Transportation today.