Medicaid may cover medically necessary transportation to and from a Medicaid-covered service for eligible members.
Emergency Transportation Services
Emergency Transportation Services are covered when the eligible member is transported in an emergency condition, usually to a hospital, resulting from an accident, serious injury, or acute illness that makes it impossible to use other types of transportation.
Non-Emergency Ambulance Transportation Services
Non-emergency Medical Transportation covers non-emergency ambulance stretcher services if the eligible member is confined to a bed before and after the ambulance trip or the member must be moved only by stretcher to receive medically necessary Medicaid-covered medical services.
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation is for Medicaid members who do not have access to free transportation that suits their medical needs and need to be transported to a Medicaid-covered service performed by a Medicaid enrolled provider.
For transportation outside a member's medical service area or for specialty care, a referral from the primary care physician is required.
NEMT Summary Report Fiscal Year 2022
NEMT Summary Report Fiscal Year 2023
Requesting Services
Non-emergency medical transportation services are available through a regional brokerage system called the Human Service Transportation Delivery (HSTD) program. Depending on a member's medical needs, transportation is provided by taxi, van, bus or public transit. Wheelchair service is also provided if medically necessary. To find your regional broker, please see the HSTD Brokerage Listing. For program policies and complaints, contact the Office of Transportation Delivery at (888) 941-7433.
Travel Reimbursement Program
The Travel Reimbursement Program is for Medicaid members who live at least 90 miles from home to a scheduled doctor's appointment or surgery.
To qualify for lodging, meals, and travel assistance, an individual must:
- Be a Kentucky Medicaid recipient.
- Travel more than 90 miles from the their home for the appointment.
- See a Kentucky Medicaid credentialed provider.
- Submit a prior authorization form at least seven (7) days prior to the appointment.
- Emergencies are excluded from this notification period.
- A clinician note may be required when lodging is requested on a case-by-case basis.
Prior Authorization Form
Travel Reimbursement Instructions