Sometimes, it's hard for a family to find a ride to a non-emergency doctor's appointment. Cars break down, buses don't run often, or no one's available to drive you. For many Tennessee families, that can mean missing important care. However, there is a helpful resource called the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) benefit, also known as TennCare’s transportation benefit, that helps members get to their appointments safely and on time.
What is NEMT?
The Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) benefit program gives TennCare members a safe, reliable ride to and from their covered health care visits when they have no other way to get there. This includes rides to doctor appointments, therapy sessions, or follow-up visits. Families should plan and schedule their ride for at least two business days before the appointment.
The transportation benefit also offers a mileage reimbursement benefit. If you have a family member, friend, or neighbor who can drive you to your appointment, that person can be reimbursed for mileage. The trip still needs to be scheduled through your transportation provider to qualify.
Also, this benefit covers any TennCare-approved service, not just doctor visits. That means if you need to go to the pharmacy, therapy, or another covered medical appointment, you can use NEMT for those trips too.
Why NEMT Matters for Families in Tennessee
· Access to care: Even if a family doesn't own a car, NEMT can help children or parents get to their visits on time.
· Peace of mind: Knowing transportation is covered can take away stress during already tough times.
· Health happens in time: Making it to regular checkups keeps everyone healthier and helps catch issues early.
How Families Can Use It?
If your child or family member has TennCare and needs a ride, call your plan's NEMT call center. Each managed care plan, such as BlueCare, Wellpoint, or UnitedHealthcare, has its own phone number listed on the TennCare NEMT page.
Please provide at least two working days' notice for your appointment. If your visit is urgent, the program may make an exception after checking with your provider. Watch the TennCare Non-Emergency Medical Transportation-Providers video for even more detailed steps to getting you where you need to be.
For Tennessee families on TennCare, the NEMT transportation benefit is a valuable tool. It removes one of the biggest barriers to staying healthy, which is getting you and your family to the doctor. If your family struggles to attend appointments, consider this resource and explore how this transportation benefit can assist you.