Understanding McLaren Health Plan’s Transportation Services

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Written by: Vanessa Jerusalimiec (*Amsive Digital)  |  Reviewed by: Shelley Wyant  |  *MHP partners with Amsive Digital on news content


Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Services from McLaren Health Plan

Access to health care is important, but logistical barriers often prevent people from making it to their appointments. You may not have access to reliable transportation, or you depend on family members to give you a ride. That’s why McLaren Health Plan offers Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) services for Medicaid and Medicare Advantage members. These services help you get to your medical appointments without the stress or difficulty of arranging your own transportation.

What is Non-Emergency Medical Transportation?

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) is a transportation service that provides rides to individuals who need assistance getting to and from non-emergency medical appointments. Unlike emergency medical transportation like an ambulance ride, NEMT services cater to planned and routine medical care rather than urgent or life-threatening situations.

Each year, 3.6 million people miss medical appointments due to transportation issues like long distances, lack of vehicle access, or transportation costs. NEMT can help you get to and from appointments like doctor’s visits, physical therapy sessions, dialysis appointments, and other non-emergency health care needs. 

These services are particularly beneficial for those with mobility issues, who lack access to reliable transportation, or live in areas with limited public transportation. By providing NEMT services at no extra cost, McLaren Health Plan removes a significant barrier to health care, promoting better health outcomes for members.

Types of Appointments Covered

McLaren Health Plan's NEMT services cover various medical appointments and health care services. Depending on your health plan, you can access free transportation to the following appointments:

  • Doctor’s Visits: Routine check-ups, follow-up visits, and consultations with health care providers. NEMT services help you attend appointments, reducing the risk of missed or delayed care.
  • Lab Visits: Transportation to facilities where blood tests, imaging, or other diagnostic tests are conducted. Diagnostic tests are often essential steps in diagnosing and monitoring health conditions. NEMT services provide reliable transportation to these lab appointments. This is especially beneficial for those who require frequent testing for medical management.
  • Non-Emergency Hospital Visits: Planned hospital visits for outpatient procedures or consultations that do not require immediate emergency intervention. You can quickly get to the hospital for your scheduled visits, reducing the stress of transportation on days when you need to focus on your health. 
  • Prescription Pick-Up: This service allows you to pick up medications from pharmacies. It is particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility issues or those living in areas with limited access to pharmacies. NEMT services can help you stay on track with your medications.
  • Dental Appointments: Regular dental check-ups and treatments are covered by your health plan. NEMT services make it easier for you to attend these essential appointments.
  • Therapy Sessions: Transportation for physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other rehabilitation services. Consistency is key to getting the best possible recovery outcomes, and McLaren Health Plan’s transportation services make this possible without any added stress.
  • Specialist Appointments: Visits to specialists for further evaluation or treatment of specific medical conditions. Reliable transportation means you’ll get the expert care you need to manage your health conditions effectively.

McLaren Health Plan’s NEMT services help remove the transportation barrier, making it easier to keep your appointments and manage your overall health and well-being.

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Cost

While NEMT is a valuable service, it’s essential to understand the potential costs associated with using third-party transportation providers such as Uber or Lyft. These companies also provide health care transportation, specifically tailored to medical appointments.

Third-Party Provider Costs

Third-party providers, such as Uber Health and Lyft Healthcare, offer on-demand transportation services that can be convenient for those who need a ride to medical appointments. The cost of these services can vary depending on several factors:

  • Distance: The farther the trip, the higher the cost. This can lead to substantial transportation expenses for individuals living in rural or remote areas.
  • Time of Day: Peak hours or times of high demand can increase the cost of rides.
  • Location: Prices can vary based on the region, with urban and rural areas often having different rates.
  • Door-to-door support: Third-party providers may also provide door-to-door support to help you get to and from the car, which may impact the cost of your ride.

If you don't have transportation benefits, these costs can add up quickly, creating a financial burden that may stop you from getting to all your medical appointments.

Who Pays for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation?

McLaren Health Plan Medicaid and Medicare Advantage offer NEMT services as part of the plan coverage, providing transportation to eligible members at no additional cost. This means that members can access necessary health care services without worrying about how they will get there or how much it will cost. Here are some of the options for free transportation:

ModivCare Services

McLaren Health Plan partners with ModivCare to get you to all your appointments. You can book a ride online or on the ModivCare smartphone app. The app allows you to book your trip, change your scheduled trip, and even see where your driver is. Before you schedule a ride on the app, call ModivCare to register so you can be assigned the appropriate transportation for your needs. When you first log in to book your ride, you’ll need to provide: 

  • Your name, member ID number, and date of birth 
  • The address where you will be picked up
  • The address where you will be dropped off
  • Your appointment date and time 
  • The name of your provider

Bus Tokens

We may provide bus tokens or other public transit options depending on your situation. This gives you more freedom to schedule doctor’s appointments and travel whenever needed.

Mileage Reimbursement

We may also offer mileage reimbursement if you have your own vehicle or someone else drives you to your appointment. Depending on your health plan, you can fill out a mileage reimbursement form, including the date, trip number, and a signature from your doctor, to get reimbursed for your trip.

McLaren Health Plan Transportation Services

Transportation should never be a barrier to accessing the health care services you need. McLaren Health Plan’s Non-Emergency Medical Transportation services help you get the medical care you need, regardless of your transportation situation. With our comprehensive NEMT services, McLaren Health Plan helps members attend appointments, manage their health conditions, and improve their overall well-being.

Contact us to learn more about the benefits and coverage offered by McLaren Health Plan, including our NEMT services, and to find the best fit for your health care needs.

McLaren Health Plan provides quality health insurance solutions for every stage of life, specifically tailored for Michigan residents. From individual coverage to family plans and Medicare, find out which plan is right for you.

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