NMT (non-medical transportation)

The DHCS letter to health plans lists the minimum: round trips by passenger car, taxicab or other public or private conveyance, mileage reimbursement when the member arranges a private vehicle, and bus passes, taxi vouchers or train tickets. Rideshare counts as public conveyance. NMT covers trips to medically necessary services, to pick up prescriptions that can’t be mailed, and to pick up medical supplies and equipment.

A member may bring one attendant, such as a parent, guardian or spouse, with prior approval. Plans may require prior authorization for NMT and renew it every 12 months.

• NEMT is for members whose condition rules out ordinary transport; it needs a signed PCS form and uses an ambulance, wheelchair van, litter van or air.
• NMT is for members who can ride in an ordinary vehicle; the member attests there is no other way to go.
• A wheelchair user can still get NMT if they can move without the driver’s help; the plan must consider the member’s abilities when scheduling.
• A plan or broker may not downgrade a member from NEMT to NMT, including ambulatory door-to-door service.

Many California providers carry both: sedans for NMT and wheelchair vans for NEMT, for the same plans and brokers. Each benefit usually has its own rates and its own space type in the trip file.