If you are a dialysis patient in North Carolina and you have Medicaid, you may be eligible for free non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to and from your dialysis appointments. This guide explains how the process works, who qualifies, and how to request Premier Medical Transit as your provider.
What Is Medicaid NEMT?
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) is a benefit provided by North Carolina Medicaid to help eligible members get to and from medical appointments when they have no other way to get there. This includes dialysis treatments, doctor visits, therapy sessions, and other covered medical services.
Who Qualifies?
You may qualify for Medicaid NEMT if:
- You are enrolled in NC Medicaid (Medicaid ID card required)
- You have a medical appointment covered by Medicaid
- You have no other available transportation (no working vehicle, no family member available, cannot use public transit)
- You need ambulatory transportation (can walk with minimal assistance)
How to Schedule a Medicaid Ride
- Know your health plan. NC Medicaid members are assigned to a managed care plan (such as WellCare, Healthy Blue, AmeriHealth Caritas, or Carolina Complete Health). Your plan manages your transportation benefit.
- Call your plan's transportation vendor. Each plan contracts with a transportation broker. Call the number on the back of your Medicaid card and ask for "transportation services" or "NEMT."
- Provide your appointment details. Give them your appointment date, time, pickup address, and destination address. For recurring dialysis, ask about setting up a standing order.
- Request Premier Medical Transit by name. When the broker asks which provider you prefer, say "Premier Medical Transit" or give our provider number. You have the right to request a specific provider.
- Confirm your ride. The broker will confirm your ride and provide a confirmation number. Save this number.
Tips for Dialysis Patients
- Set up a standing order. If you go to dialysis 3 times per week, ask the broker to set up a recurring schedule so you don't have to call before every appointment.
- Call at least 3 days ahead. Most brokers require 3 business days notice for routine appointments.
- Keep your Medicaid active. Make sure your Medicaid eligibility is current. If your coverage lapses, your transportation benefit stops.
- Know your rights. You can request a specific provider, file a complaint if rides are late or missed, and appeal if your transportation is denied.
What If You Don't Have Medicaid?
If you are not Medicaid eligible, Premier Medical Transit offers private-pay dialysis transportation at competitive rates. We offer standing weekly schedules for dialysis patients with consistent pickup times and the same driver when possible. Call 1-877-2-MEDRIDE for private pay rates.
Contact Us
Premier Medical Transit is an NC Medicaid enrolled NEMT provider serving Elizabeth City (Pasquotank County), Hertford (Perquimans County), and Camden County, NC. Call 1-877-2-MEDRIDE or request a ride online.