What is NEMT?
Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) covers rides to and from medical appointments, dialysis, hospital discharges, and facility transfers for patients who cannot safely use a personal vehicle, public transit, or a ride-share. It is not an ambulance — no lights, no sirens — but it is staffed by trained, certified crews with the right equipment for the level of care the patient needs.
Does Medicaid cover non-emergency medical transportation?
Yes. Federal Medicaid rules require every state to provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to and from covered medical services for beneficiaries who have no other way to get there. In California this benefit is delivered through Medi-Cal and its managed-care plans, and it covers ambulatory, wheelchair, and gurney transport when it is medically necessary or the member has no other means of transportation.
Who pays for non-emergency medical transportation?
The payer depends on the patient's coverage. Medi-Cal (California Medicaid) pays for NEMT and non-medical transportation (NMT) for eligible members. Medicare Advantage plans increasingly include a limited transportation benefit. Private insurance sometimes covers medically necessary transport after prior authorization. Hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and hospice programs may pay directly for discharge and facility-to-facility transfers. When no payer applies, patients can pay privately at the fare shown at booking.
How do I schedule NEMT with Medi-Cal or my insurance?
Call your health plan's member services line and ask for the transportation benefit. They will confirm eligibility, level of service (ambulatory, wheelchair, or gurney), pickup and drop-off locations, appointment time, and prior authorization when required. Most plans ask for 2–5 business days' notice for routine rides and same-day approval for urgent discharges. Once the plan authorizes the trip, Bright Sky can be dispatched as the provider.
What documents does the plan usually need?
A Physician Certification Statement (PCS) or equivalent form that documents medical necessity, the member's Medi-Cal or insurance ID, the appointment details, and the level of transport required. Facilities usually complete the PCS on the patient's behalf.
Can Bright Sky bill Medicaid or insurance directly?
Bright Sky partners with several healthcare and state programs. Contact us with the member's plan and appointment details and we will confirm whether we can bill the payer directly or whether the plan needs to dispatch us through its transportation broker.
Not sure what your plan covers?
Call 1-800-730-2768 with the member's plan name and appointment details and we will help you confirm coverage and schedule the ride.