Medi-Cal transportation information

As a Blue Shield Promise Medi-Cal member you may be able to get transportation to your healthcare appointments at no cost. Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan will work with you and your doctor to find the right transportation for you.

See your Member Handbook (Evidence of Coverage) for more information.
 

Non-emergency medical transportation

You are entitled to use non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) when you physically or medically are not able to get to your medical, dental, mental health and substance use disorder appointment by car, bus, train or taxi, and the plan pays for your medical or physical condition.

NEMT is an ambulance, litter van, wheelchair van or air transport. NEMT is not a car, bus or taxi.

Before getting NEMT, you need to request the service through your doctor. They will prescribe the correct type of transportation to meet your medical condition.
 

Limits of NEMT

There are no limits for receiving NEMT to or from medical, dental, mental health and substance use disorder appointments covered under Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan when a provider has prescribed it for you. If the appointment type is covered by Medi-Cal but not through the health plan, your health plan will provide for or help you schedule your transportation.
 

Non-medical transportation

You can use non-medical transportation (NMT) when you are:

• Traveling to and from an appointment for a Medi-Cal service.
• Picking up prescriptions and medical supplies.

Blue Shield Promise Medi-Cal lets you use a lot of different ways of getting to your medical appointment for Medi-Cal covered services. You can use public transportation like a taxi or bus. You can also use a private type of transportation like a car. We will give you mileage reimbursement if you arrange your own private ride.

Before getting approval for mileage reimbursement, you have to tell Blue Shield Promise Medi-Cal by phone, by email or in person. You have to explain that you tried to get all other reasonable transportation choices and you were not able to. Blue Shield Promise Medi-Cal allows the lowest cost NMT type that meets your medical needs.
 

Limits of NMT

There are no limits for receiving NMT to or from medical appointments covered under Blue Shield Promise Medi-Cal when a provider has authorized it for you. If the appointment type is covered by Medi-Cal but not through the health plan, your health plan will provide for or help you schedule your transportation.
 

Cost to member

If your transportation is authorized by Blue Shield Promise Medi-Cal, then there is no cost.
 

Scheduling your ride

To learn more about asking for NEMT or NMT, or to learn how to schedule a ride, please call us:
 Phone: (877) 433-2178 (TTY: 711), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

To schedule a ride, we recommend you ask at least 24 hours prior to your appointment. For urgent appointments, please call as soon as possible. Please have your Member ID card ready when you call.