How to Get Medical Transportation on Louisiana Medicaid
Missing a medical appointment because you don't have a ride is a real problem for many Louisiana families. The good news is that Louisiana Medicaid covers free non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for eligible members who need help getting to healthcare appointments.
Many people don't realize this benefit exists, or don't know how to use it. This guide explains exactly how Louisiana Medicaid transportation works, who qualifies, how to schedule a ride, and what to expect along the way.
Nest Health also offers in-home and virtual care for eligible Louisiana families, so transportation never has to stand between your family and quality healthcare.
What is Louisiana Medicaid medical transportation?
Louisiana Medicaid covers non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for members who do not have another way to get to healthcare appointments. This is a federally required Medicaid benefit, not an optional extra.
NEMT helps eligible Medicaid members get transportation to covered medical services when transportation would otherwise be a barrier to care.
🔗 Learn more about Louisiana Medicaid coverage here: https://www.nesthealth.com/blog/louisiana-medicaid-guide
What does NEMT cover?
Louisiana Medicaid transportation covers rides to and from Medicaid-covered healthcare services, including:
Doctor appointments
Pediatric check-ups
Specialist visits
Behavioral health appointments
Therapy visits
Dental appointments covered by Medicaid
Lab work and imaging
Diagnostic testing
Other covered Medicaid healthcare services
However, NEMT does not cover transportation to:
Pharmacies
Nursing facilities
Hospice care
WIC appointments at public health offices
These exclusions are defined under Louisiana Medicaid transportation rules.
Who qualifies for NEMT in Louisiana?
To qualify for Louisiana Medicaid transportation, you must:
Be enrolled in Louisiana Medicaid or Healthy Louisiana
Need transportation to a Medicaid-covered service
Have no other transportation available
Members or caregivers must confirm they do not have another reasonable way to get to the appointment.
NEMT is not automatic. You must request the ride ahead of time through your Medicaid health plan or transportation broker.
In some situations, Medicaid may reimburse a friend or family member for gas if they drive you to your appointment.
Types of Louisiana Medicaid transportation
Louisiana Medicaid offers several transportation options depending on your medical needs and situation.
The transportation type you receive depends on what is medically appropriate and available in your area.
Standard non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT)
This is the most common transportation option.
Standard NEMT provides scheduled, door-to-door transportation in a regular vehicle or wheelchair-accessible vehicle for Medicaid members who do not have another ride available.
This option works for members who can safely ride in a regular vehicle but need help getting to appointments.
Elevated level of care (ELOC) transportation
Some Medicaid members need extra support during transportation.
ELOC transportation may include:
Help getting in and out of the vehicle
Stretcher transportation
Additional mobility assistance
Prior approval is required, and medical necessity must be documented through your health plan.
📞 Contact your Medicaid plan directly to ask whether you qualify.
Non-emergency ambulance transportation (NEAT)
NEAT is available for members whose medical condition prevents them from safely traveling any other way.
For example, someone who is bed-confined may qualify for non-emergency ambulance transportation.
This is not emergency transportation.
🚨 For emergencies, always call 911.
A Certification of Ambulance Transportation (CAT) form is required to document medical necessity.
Gas reimbursement
If a friend or family member can drive you to your appointment, Louisiana Medicaid may reimburse them for gas mileage.
To qualify:
The driver cannot live at the same address as the Medicaid member
The transportation must be arranged in advance
The ride must be for a Medicaid-covered service
Contact your transportation broker to ask how gas reimbursement works under your plan.
Public transit
In some Louisiana communities, Medicaid transportation may include public transit options such as buses.
Transportation brokers may arrange or reimburse bus transportation when public transit safely meets the member's needs.
Public transportation is often considered before more specialized transportation options.
How to schedule a Louisiana Medicaid ride
Scheduling a Medicaid ride requires advance planning. In most cases, you must call at least 48 hours before your appointment.
Weekends and holidays do not count toward that notice requirement.
Here's how to schedule a Louisiana Medicaid transportation ride step-by-step.
Step 1: Find out which health plan you're on
Before scheduling transportation, you need to know your Healthy Louisiana health plan.
If you're unsure, you can:
Check your Medicaid ID card
Log in to MyMedicaid.LA.gov
Call Louisiana Medicaid Customer Service
📞 Louisiana Medicaid Customer Service: 1-888-342-6207
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Step 2: Call your plan's transportation broker
Once you know your Medicaid plan, contact the transportation broker assigned to your plan.
Louisiana Medicaid transportation phone numbers
| Health Plan | Transportation Broker | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Aetna Better Health of Louisiana | MediTrans | 1-877-917-4150 (TTY: 1-866-288-3133) |
| AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana | MediTrans | 1-888-913-0364 (TTY: 1-866-428-7588) |
| Healthy Blue | MediTrans | 1-866-430-1101 (TTY: 1-800-846-5277) |
| Humana Healthy Horizons | MediTrans | 1-844-613-1638 (TTY: 1-800-618-4781) |
| Louisiana Healthcare Connections | MediTrans | 1-855-369-3723 (TTY: 711) |
| UnitedHealthcare Community Plan | Modivcare | 1-866-726-1472 (TTY: 1-844-488-9724) |
| Fee-for-service (no health plan) | Verida | 1-855-325-7626 |
Source: Louisiana Department of Health, ldh.la.gov/medicaid/medical-transportation
⚠️ Transportation brokers and phone numbers can change over time, so always confirm current information with your health plan.
📞 Nest Health serves eligible Louisiana Medicaid members on participating plans. If you've received communication from Nest or your health plan, call 866-222-NEST (6378) to learn more.
Step 3: Provide your appointment details
When you call to schedule transportation, have the following information ready:
Your Medicaid ID number
Appointment date and time
Provider name and address
Your pickup address
Any mobility needs
Whether you need a return trip home
Providing complete information helps avoid transportation delays.
Step 4: Confirm your ride
After scheduling your ride, the transportation broker will provide:
Pickup time
Transportation details
Driver or vendor information
Write this information down or save it in your phone.
⏰ Important reminder: Call at least 48 hours before your appointment. Weekends and holidays do not count toward advance notice requirements.
Same-day rides are usually not available unless there is an urgent medical need.
What if you already have a scheduled ride?
Once your ride is scheduled, there are a few important things to know before your appointment day.
Tracking your ride
If you need to check the status of your ride:
📞 Aetna members can call the MediTrans "Where's My Ride" line:1-877-917-4151 (available 24/7)
Members on other plans should contact their transportation broker directly.
Canceling or changing a ride
If your appointment changes or gets canceled, contact your transportation broker as soon as possible.
Canceling early helps transportation systems stay available for other Medicaid members who need rides.
If your ride doesn't show up
If your driver does not arrive:
Call your transportation broker immediately
Document the time and details
Ask about alternate transportation arrangements
Keeping records may help if you need to file a complaint later.
Tips for a smooth ride experience
A few simple steps can make your Louisiana Medicaid transportation experience easier.
✅ Call early.
Forty-eight hours is the minimum notice period, but earlier is better.
✅ Remember, weekends don't count.
If your appointment is on Monday, schedule your ride by Thursday.
✅ Confirm your ride the day before.
This helps reduce scheduling issues.
✅ Keep your Medicaid ID handy.
You'll likely need it every time you call.
✅ Share special transportation needs early.
Don't wait until appointment day to mention mobility equipment or assistance needs.
✅ Be ready a few minutes early.
Drivers may arrive slightly before your scheduled pickup time
What if you can't use NEMT?
Louisiana Medicaid transportation helps many families, but it does not solve every transportation challenge.
Here are some additional options to consider.
Ask about gas reimbursement for a family member or friend
If someone you know can drive you to your appointment, Medicaid may reimburse them for mileage.
This option can sometimes be easier and more flexible than arranging a transportation service.
Contact your transportation broker ahead of time to ask about reimbursement requirements.
Consider virtual care
Some medical needs can be handled through telehealth or virtual care appointments.
If you're eligible for Nest Health services, providers can care for your family at home or through virtual visits — eliminating transportation barriers completely.
📞 If you've been contacted by Nest or your health plan — or think your family may qualify — call us today at 866-222-NEST (6378).
Local transportation resources in Louisiana
Additional transportation resources may also be available through:
Local public transit systems
Parish transportation programs
Louisiana 211
Council on Aging transportation services
Community health organizations
🔗 Nest Health Louisiana care resources:
Louisiana Medicaid transportation FAQs
Does Louisiana Medicaid cover transportation?
Yes. Louisiana Medicaid covers non-emergency medical transportation for eligible members who do not have another ride available.
Do all Medicaid plans in Louisiana cover transportation?
Yes. Transportation is a required Medicaid benefit across Healthy Louisiana plans, although brokers and scheduling processes may differ.
How do I schedule a Medicaid ride in Louisiana?
You must contact your Medicaid plan's transportation broker at least 48 hours before your appointment.
How far in advance do I need to schedule a Medicaid ride?
Most rides must be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance. Weekends and holidays do not count toward that notice period.
What if I don't know which health plan I'm on?
You can check your Medicaid ID card, log into MyMedicaid.LA.gov, or call Louisiana Medicaid Customer Service.
Can a family member get reimbursed for driving me to an appointment?
Yes. Louisiana Medicaid may reimburse mileage for a friend or family member who drives you to a covered appointment.
Does Medicaid cover rides to the pharmacy?
No. Louisiana Medicaid transportation does not cover pharmacy-only trips.
What happens if my ride doesn't show up?
Call your transportation broker immediately and document what happened.
Can I get a same-day Medicaid ride?
Usually no. Same-day transportation is generally unavailable except in urgent situations.
Does NEMT cover rides to therapy or mental health appointments?
Yes. Medicaid transportation covers rides to behavioral health and therapy appointments when those services are Medicaid-covered.
Does Medicare cover medical transportation?
Medicare and Medicaid are different programs. Original Medicare generally does not cover routine non-emergency transportation, while Louisiana Medicaid does offer NEMT benefits for eligible members.
Does Nest Health come to my home, so I don't need a ride?
Yes. Eligible Nest Health members can receive in-home and virtual care, reducing or eliminating the need for transportation to appointments.
In-home care with Nest Health — no transportation needed
Nest Health was designed to remove barriers that make healthcare harder for families — including transportation challenges.
Eligible Louisiana Medicaid members can receive care directly at home through Nest Health's in-home and virtual care services.
Nest Health offers:
✅ In-home medical visits for the whole family
✅ Virtual care appointments
✅ Same-day and next-day visits
✅ No transportation required
✅ Care available at no additional cost for eligible Medicaid members
✅ Support for busy families balancing work, childcare, and healthcare needs
Instead of arranging transportation, sitting in waiting rooms, or missing work, families can receive care where they're most comfortable, at home.
📞 If you've been contacted by Nest or your health plan — or think your family may qualify — call us today at 866-222-NEST (6378).
