Ambulette Services: Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Guide

An ambulette (or non-emergency medical transportation / NEMT) provides scheduled transportation for individuals who cannot use standard vehicles due to medical conditions, mobility limitations, or disability—but do not require emergency ambulance care.

Typical Services

• Wheelchair-accessible vans (ramps/lifts, securement systems)
• Stretcher/gurney transport (for bed-bound patients)
• Ambulatory assistance (walker, cane, standby assist)
• Door-through-door service (home ↔ facility)
• Accompaniment by trained driver/attendant (not clinical care)

Common Trip Purposes

• Dialysis (3×/week recurring)
• Chemotherapy / radiation appointments
• Physical/occupational therapy
• Doctor visits, specialist consultations
• Hospital discharge / transfer to SNF/rehab
• Adult day programs, senior centers

Staffing & Training

• Drivers: CDL (if vehicle >26,000 GVWR) or standard license + passenger endorsement; background check, drug testing.
• Attendants: CPR/First Aid, patient handling/transfer techniques, HIPAA, sensitivity training.
• No clinical scope: Cannot administer medications, oxygen (unless specifically certified and authorized), or perform assessments.

Funding & Coverage

• Medicaid: Primary payer for eligible beneficiaries (state plan benefit or 1915(c) waiver). Brokered through state NEMT broker (e.g., LogistiCare/Modivcare, MTM, Veyo).
• Medicare: Generally does not cover NEMT (except limited Part B ambulance if medically necessary and other transport contraindicated).
• Private Insurance: Varies; some Medicare Advantage plans include NEMT supplemental benefit.
• VA: Veterans Transportation Program / Beneficiary Travel.
• Private Pay: $50–$150+ per trip (base + mileage + wait time + stairs/assist fees).

Selecting a Provider

• Licensure/certification (state DOT, Medicaid broker approval)
• Vehicle condition, accessibility features, maintenance records
• Driver/attendant training, turnover, background checks
• On-time performance, cancellation policy, communication
• Insurance: auto liability ($1M+), general liability, workers' comp
• References, online reviews, contract transparency

Ambulette services are a critical link in the care continuum—enabling access to life-sustaining treatment for millions of mobility-limited Americans.