Does Medicare Cover Rides to the Doctor?
Key Takeaways
- Original Medicare generally does not cover non-emergency transportation, except in specific cases such as transport for dialysis or if a patient is bedridden and requires specialty transport.
- Emergency transportation is covered under Part A, while Part B may cover non-emergency transport only if a doctor deems it medically necessary.
- Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may include additional benefits. Coverage varies by plan and provider.
- If Medicare doesn’t cover transportation, other options include Medicaid (if eligible), community programs, non-profits, public transportation discounts, and rideshare services like Uber Health or Lyft partnerships.
Original Medicare typically does not cover rides to the doctor or any other non-emergency transportation service. However, Medicare may cover transportation in specific cases if a doctor deems it necessary, such as if a patient needs transportation to dialysis or is bedridden and needs specialty transport.
Medicare Advantage plans also often include additional benefits not covered by Original Medicare, so some plans may offer coverage for non-emergency transportation to routine medical appointments. Since every Medicare Advantage plan can offer unique benefits, check with your plan provider for coverage details.
Transportation Obstacles Can Impact Health Access
Getting to doctor’s appointments can be trickier for seniors who do not or no longer drive. Research from the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that nearly one in 10 seniors who live in cities use public transportation, and 20% of those people rely on it to get to their appointments.
However, accessibility and reliability to public transit can impact their experience, especially for those who must wait in inclement weather or have mobility issues. In addition, bus and train stops may be far from home or medical facility entrances.
Coverage for transportation services that can pick seniors up closer to home and drop them off directly at their doctor’s office can remove that obstacle. Unfortunately, Original Medicare generally does not cover rides to the doctor for routine appointments, but those who meet eligibility criteria may be able to take advantage of this service.
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How Medicare Covers Rides to the Doctor
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) generally does not cover non-emergency transportation except in specific situations, though there is some coverage for emergency transportation. For example, Medicare Part A may cover emergency transportation to the nearest medical facility if other transportation would endanger your life.
Medicare Part B may cover non-emergency transportation if your doctor deems it medically necessary, but this is not guaranteed. In addition, if you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, Medicaid may cover non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for doctor visits. Eligibility and coverage rules vary by state.
If Medicare does not cover the non-emergency ride to the doctor, consider other options for getting to your appointments. These can include using a rideshare service, taxi, public transportation, paratransit, or organizing a ride through a local non-profit organization.
How Medicare Advantage Covers Rides to the Doctor
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans have the same benefits as Original Medicare at minimum, but many plans offer benefits beyond what Original Medicare covers. Since Medicare Advantage plan benefits differ by region and carrier, check with your insurance provider for coverage details and limitations.
How Much Transportation Costs With Medicare
Medicare transportation costs depend on the type of transportation (routine vs. emergency), medical need, and your specific Medicare plan. Here’s a look at some potential costs for transportation:
- Premium: The premium is the monthly fee you pay each month to maintain your Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage coverage. Most people qualify for $0 Part A premium. In 2025, the premium for Part B is $185, though some beneficiaries may pay more based on income and Medicare Advantage plan.
- Deductible: The deductible is the amount you pay in covered care before your Medicare plan’s cost sharing begins. In 2025, the deductible for Part A is $1,676 per benefit period and $257 per year for Part B. Some Medicare Advantage plans may feature different deductibles.
- Coinsurance: The coinsurance is the percentage of the total service cost that you share with your Medicare plan. With Original Medicare, Part B covers non-emergency transportation if you meet eligibility criteria. If it is covered, Medicare typically pays 80% of the total Medicare-approved transportation cost after you have met your deductible for the year. If it is not covered, you are responsible for 100% of those costs. Those with a Medicare Advantage plan may have a different coinsurance if it is a covered benefit.
Other Options For Rides to the Doctor
If Medicare does not cover your transportation and you need assistance with finding affordable rides to the doctor, look into the following resources:
- Medicaid: If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, Medicaid may offer non-emergency transportation services. Medicare and Medicaid may cover transportation to a Medicare-approved facility if you have a physical or mental disability or no other transportation. Check with your state program details to see if you are eligible for this service.
- Local city or community programs: Community programs often provide paratransit services for older adults who need non-emergency transportation. Contact your local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) to learn more. In addition, many public transportation systems have discounted or free fares for seniors.
- Non-profit organizations: Some non-profit organizations provide transportation services for seniors. Examples include AARP, ITN America and The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC).
- Taxis and rideshare apps: Some communities partner with rideshare companies such as Uber or Lyft to offer affordable transportation to seniors. For example, Uber Health partners with healthcare providers to provide rides for seniors and Lyft works with AARP to offer discounted transportation to seniors.
Putting It All Together
Original Medicare typically does not cover non-emergency transportation service, like routine rides to the doctor, but it may be covered in specific cases. Medicare Advantage plans, which typically offer more benefits than Original Medicare, may offer transportation as an added benefit. Check plan details for more information. If coverage for routine rides to the doctor is important to you, consider working with a licensed insurance agent to learn more about your transportation coverage options.
Sources
Significant Number of Seniors Rely on Failing Public Transit Systems to Get to Medical Appointments. University of Maryland, School of Medicine.
Eligibility Policy. Medicaid.gov
Assurance of Transportation. Medicaid.gov