Michigan Medicaid transportation: how to get a ride to a parent's appointments

The short answerMichigan Medicaid has a non-emergency ride benefit for people on Medicaid, MIChild and the Healthy Michigan Plan. Who arranges the ride depends on how your parent gets Medicaid, so the first step is finding the right phone number. Rides generally need to be approved before the appointment, and nothing here promises that a ride will be approved.

If you are the one driving your mother or father to every appointment, or worrying about how they will get there, this page is for you. It explains who to call, how much notice to give, what the State says is covered, and what to do if you are told no. Already Caring is a private company. We are not a government agency, we are not affiliated with MDHHS, Medicaid, ModivCare or any health plan, and we are not a law firm or a medical provider. This is general information, so confirm details with your parent's plan or your county MDHHS office.

If it is an emergency, call 911. This page is about planned rides to appointments.

What the benefit is

The State's Medicaid Provider Manual, in its January 1, 2025 version as quoted in Michigan administrative hearing decision 25-007976, says: "The Medicaid NEMT benefit is covered for Medicaid, MIChild, and Healthy Michigan Plan (HMP) beneficiaries." NEMT means non-emergency medical transportation. Federal rules (42 CFR 431.53) require each state's Medicaid agency to ensure necessary transportation to and from providers.

The manual also lists what is not covered:

• trips provided before approval
• transportation for people who have not met their spend-down (our spend-down guide explains what that means)
• transportation for Plan First beneficiaries

The Michigan Auditor General's audit page says MDHHS coordinates this transportation through a contracted transportation broker, contracted Medicaid Health Plans, and its local offices. The Auditor General's audit page describes an audit that is still in progress.

Who to call

The State's manual, as quoted in hearing decision 20-004713, and Bulletin MSA 20-68 say Medicaid Health Plans and Integrated Care Organizations are responsible for rides for their own members. They may have different prior authorization and documentation rules. So the right number depends on how your parent gets Medicaid:

• In a Medicaid Health Plan. Call the member services number on the plan card.
• In MI Choice. Contact the waiver agency.
• On straight (fee-for-service) Medicaid. Contact the local MDHHS office. Our guide to reaching your county office explains how to find yours.

An MDHHS brochure (undated) says people not in a health plan in Wayne, Oakland or Macomb County contact the State's transportation broker at 1-866-569-1902. The brochure names LogistiCare, which is now ModivCare. ModivCare's Michigan page lists 1-866-569-1902 for "MI Medicaid." Because the right number depends on your parent's coverage and county, confirm with your county office which one applies before you rely on it.

Before you call

Have these ready so the call goes faster:

• your parent's Medicaid ID
• the appointment date, time and address
• the doctor's name
• whether a wheelchair van or an attendant is needed

How much notice to give

The MDHHS brochure says a ride must be approved before the appointment, and a response can take up to 72 hours. ModivCare's Michigan page says generally two business days' notice, depending on the health plan. It also has a "Where's My Ride" option for a late or no-show ride, which uses the plan's number.

The safest plan is to call as early as you can, as soon as the appointment is made. Then confirm the plan's own rule, since it may differ.

What rides can cover

The MDHHS brochure says rides are for Medicaid-covered services from Medicaid-enrolled providers. That includes ongoing treatment, prescriptions, medical supplies and medical visits, and trips to obtain medical evidence. Rides are authorized only when the person cannot get their own transportation or a ride from family or friends.

The manual (2020 version, as quoted in decision 20-004713) covers the least-costly mode suitable to the person's medical condition. Routine care outside the person's community, when comparable care is available locally, is not covered unless it is prior authorized.

Bulletin MSA 16-25 lists the kinds of fee-for-service help:

• bus fares
• personal vehicle mileage
• volunteer mileage
• wheelchair lift or Medivan
• an attendant allowance

The State publishes current rates on the MDHHS website. This page does not list them, so check there or ask your county office for the current figures.

Paperwork that may come up

Bulletin MSA 20-68 and the manual, as quoted in decision 20-004713, describe two forms:

• Medical Verification for Transportation (DHS-5330). Special transportation may need this form, completed by the doctor, once a year.
• Medical Transportation Statement (MSA-4674). Mileage or other reimbursement uses this form with itemized, legible receipts.

The bulletin says these may be sent by fax or secure email. Keep a copy of everything you send. The forms are accessed through the beneficiary's case worker and are kept on MI Bridges.

If you drive your parent yourself

Home Help pays for help with personal care at home, and our guide to what Michigan Home Help pays for covers that. Rides to appointments come through this separate transportation benefit.

If a family caregiver drives a parent, they may ask about mileage reimbursement, which is one of the kinds of help listed above. Ask the county office or the health plan first, before the trip. As noted above, trips provided before approval are not covered. Nothing here promises that mileage will be paid.

If a ride is denied

The manual, as quoted in decision 20-004713, calls for a written denial notice (DHS-301). The beneficiary or an authorized representative may request an administrative hearing, generally within 90 days of the notice. Decision 25-007976 treated a verbal denial by the State's transportation contractor as a denial that gives a right to a hearing. If you are told no on the phone, ask for the denial in writing. Our guide to applying for Michigan Medicaid for a parent covers hearing basics.

Questions families ask

Who do I call for Medicaid transportation in Michigan?

It depends on how your parent gets Medicaid. A parent in a Medicaid Health Plan calls the member services number on the plan card. A parent in MI Choice contacts the waiver agency. A parent with straight (fee-for-service) Medicaid contacts the local MDHHS office. An undated MDHHS brochure says people not in a health plan in Wayne, Oakland or Macomb County contact the State's transportation broker, and lists 1-866-569-1902. Do not rely on that number until your county office confirms it.

How far ahead do I need to ask for a ride?

Ask as early as you can. An MDHHS brochure says a ride must be approved before the appointment and a response can take up to 72 hours. ModivCare's Michigan page says generally two business days' notice, depending on the health plan. Confirm the rule with your parent's plan or office.

Does Medicaid pay for a ride if I drive my parent myself?

The State lists personal vehicle mileage among the kinds of help in fee-for-service Medicaid, and it uses the Medical Transportation Statement (MSA-4674) with itemized receipts for reimbursement. Rides are authorized only when a person cannot get their own transportation or a ride from family or friends, and trips taken before approval are not covered. Ask the county office or the health plan before the trip.

What if the ride is denied?

The rules call for a written denial notice (DHS-301). The beneficiary or an authorized representative may ask for an administrative hearing, generally within 90 days of the notice. One State hearing decision (25-007976) treated a verbal denial by the State's transportation contractor as a denial that gives a right to a hearing. Each case turns on its own facts.

Is Medicaid transportation part of Home Help?

No. Home Help pays for help with personal care at home. Rides to appointments come through a separate Medicaid transportation benefit.