Caregiver's Guide to Medical Transportation in NJ
For family members and caregivers managing the transportation needs of an aging parent, disabled family member, or chronically ill loved one. This guide covers assessing needs, setting up Medicaid rides, coordinating recurring transport, planning hospital discharge, and building a reliable backup plan.
Talk to Our Team — (973) 389-3110Step 1: Assessing Your Loved One's Transport Needs
Before contacting a transport provider, take time to assess your family member's specific needs across three dimensions: mobility level, medical complexity, and insurance coverage.
Mobility Level
- ✓Can walk independently or with a cane/walker → sedan transport
- ✓Uses a manual or power wheelchair → wheelchair van required
- ✓Cannot sit upright or requires positioning → stretcher/ambulance
- ✓Has fall risk or needs frequent assistance → door-through-door service
Medical Complexity
- ✓Oxygen-dependent → confirm vehicle has O2-compatible space
- ✓Post-surgery → may need stretcher; confirm with physician
- ✓Dialysis patient → set up 3x/week recurring transport
- ✓Dementia/cognitive impairment → request patient-familiar driver
Insurance Coverage
- ✓NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid) → contact MCO transport line
- ✓Medicare Advantage → check supplemental NEMT benefit
- ✓Dual eligible → Medicaid covers transport
- ✓No coverage → Delta offers private-pay rates
Step 2: Setting Up Medicaid Transport for a Parent
If your parent or family member has NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid), here is how to set up transportation:
Confirm enrollment and identify the MCO
Check the back of your parent's insurance card or call NJ FamilyCare at 1-800-701-0710 to confirm which managed care organization they are enrolled in.
Obtain a physician's prescription of necessity
For wheelchair or stretcher transport, the treating physician must provide a written prescription of necessity stating the patient cannot safely use standard sedan transport. Get this before calling the MCO.
Call the MCO's transportation line
Use the transportation phone number on the back of the insurance card, not the general member services line. Provide the member ID, appointment details, pickup address, destination, and mobility equipment needs.
Request a standing order if transport is recurring
For dialysis, chemotherapy, or physical therapy, request a standing order so rides are pre-authorized for every session. This prevents the need to call before every appointment.
Confirm pickup details and write down the authorization number
The MCO will provide a confirmation or authorization number. Keep this number — you will need it if a driver does not arrive or if you need to file a complaint.
See the full NJ Medicaid NEMT Guide for MCO contact numbers and detailed step-by-step instructions.
Step 3: Coordinating with Delta as a Caregiver
When booking through Delta Medical Transportation on behalf of a family member, you will need to provide the following information:
- ✓Patient's full name and date of birth
- ✓Patient's home address
- ✓Insurance / Medicaid member ID
- ✓Appointment date, time, and destination
- ✓Mobility level (ambulatory / wheelchair / stretcher)
- ✓Wheelchair type and dimensions (if applicable)
- ✓Medical equipment being transported (O2, IV, etc.)
- ✓Emergency contact name and phone number
- ✓Special instructions (post-surgery, fall risk, etc.)
- ✓Your contact info as the caregiver/coordinator
You do not need to be physically present to coordinate rides. Delta works with family caregivers remotely — you can book, modify, and receive confirmation calls as the primary contact even if you are not at your loved one's home. Call us at (973) 389-3110 to set up caregiver coordination.
Planning Hospital Discharge Transport Before It Happens
The worst time to start arranging discharge transport is on the day of discharge. Planning ahead — ideally before or immediately after a family member is admitted — prevents stressful last-minute scrambles and ensures the right vehicle is available.
Pro Tip for Caregivers
If your family member is scheduled for elective surgery or a planned hospital stay, call Delta before the admission date to pre-book discharge transport. Let us know the estimated discharge date, mobility needs, and any equipment (wheelchair, walker, oxygen). We can hold a tentative booking and confirm closer to discharge.
See our Hospital Discharge Transport service page for full details on what to prepare.
Setting Up Recurring Transport (Dialysis, PT, Chemo)
For family members requiring regular transport to recurring appointments, a standing order or recurring booking is far more reliable than calling before each session.
Dialysis (3x/week)
Obtain prescription of necessity from nephrologist → Call MCO to set up standing order → Confirm with Delta for private-pay or backup transport
Chemotherapy (weekly or bi-weekly)
Get oncologist's treatment schedule → Contact MCO for standing order or confirm private-pay with Delta → Note that chemo schedules can shift; build in flexibility
Physical / Occupational Therapy
Get PT/OT authorization from treating physician → MCO approval for transport to authorized sessions → Delta can coordinate with therapy center on pickup times
Psychiatric / Mental Health Appointments
Mental health appointments are a covered Medicaid service for transport → Contact MCO's transport broker → Request recurring if same-day/time each week
What to Do When You Can't Accompany Your Loved One
Many caregivers cannot attend every medical transport with their family member. Here is how to ensure safe, smooth rides even when you are not present:
- Provide the driver with a written care note listing the patient's mobility limitations, communication needs, and any special instructions. Tape it inside the patient's bag or medical folder.
- Designate a facility contact. Ask the medical facility to call you when the patient arrives and when they are ready for pickup.
- Share caregiver contact info with Delta. We can call or text you when the patient is picked up and dropped off for your peace of mind.
- Set up a simple communication system — even a quick text or call from the patient when they arrive at their destination can relieve caregiver anxiety.
- For dementia patients, consider requesting a consistent driver so your family member builds familiarity and trust with the person transporting them. Delta assigns the same driver for recurring runs whenever possible.
Emergency Contact Protocols
Establish these emergency contacts and protocols before your first transport:
Delta Medical Transportation (24/7)
(973) 389-3110Patient's treating physician
Add to contacts
Destination facility main line
Add to contacts
MCO Transportation Line
Back of insurance card
NJ Emergency (if medical emergency during transport)
911NJ DMAHS (Medicaid issues)
1-800-356-1561Building a Transportation Backup Plan
Even the most reliable transport systems can have disruptions — weather, vehicle issues, or administrative delays. Every caregiver should have a documented backup plan:
- Primary transport: Delta Medical Transportation / Medicaid MCO standing order
- Backup #1: A second family member or trusted neighbor who can drive on short notice
- Backup #2: A private-pay transport provider (keep Delta's number for same-day private pay)
- For dialysis specifically: Ask the dialysis center for their transport coordinator's number — they often have emergency arrangements with local providers
- Know what to do if no transport is available: For dialysis, contact the center immediately — they will advise on what to do if a session must be missed for safety reasons
NJ Caregiver Support Resources
Being a caregiver is demanding. NJ offers programs to support family caregivers:
NJ Family Caregiver Support Program
Free counseling, support groups, respite care, and training for family caregivers. Call your county Area Agency on Aging.
1-877-222-3737 (NJ Aging Helpline)
SHIP — State Health Insurance Assistance Program
Free, unbiased counseling on Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid benefits in NJ.
1-800-792-8820
NJ Division of Aging Services (DoAS)
Administers programs for seniors and adults with disabilities, including transportation assistance and caregiver support.
nj.gov/humanservices/doas
Legal Services of NJ
Free legal assistance for low-income NJ residents, including Medicaid appeals, benefits advocacy, and elder law.
(888) 576-5529 | lsnj.org
NJ 211
Dial 2-1-1 for connection to local social services, transportation resources, food assistance, and caregiver support across all 21 NJ counties.
Dial 211
Frequently Asked Questions for Caregivers
How do I set up Medicaid transportation for my parent in NJ?
Confirm your parent's MCO, get a prescription of necessity from their physician, call the MCO transportation line with the member ID and appointment details. Request at least 3 business days in advance. For recurring care, request a standing order.
Can I accompany my loved one on a Medicaid transport ride?
Yes, when a personal care attendant is medically necessary. Inform the MCO and Delta at the time of booking. A physician's order may be required stating the attendant is medically necessary.
What information do I need to provide when booking transport for a family member?
Patient name, date of birth, address, insurance ID, appointment details, mobility level, wheelchair type if applicable, medical equipment, emergency contact, and any special instructions.
How do I plan hospital discharge transport before admission?
Call Delta before or immediately after admission. Provide the estimated discharge date, mobility needs, and discharge location. For Medicaid, contact the MCO 24–48 hours before discharge day.
What NJ caregiver support programs are available?
NJ Family Caregiver Support Program (1-877-222-3737), SHIP (1-800-792-8820), NJ Division of Aging Services, Legal Services of NJ (888-576-5529), and NJ 211.
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