Non-emergency medical transportation in Jacksonville helps people who use wheelchairs, walkers, or can’t drive themselves get safely to doctor visits, dialysis, therapy, and hospital discharges. Unlike an ambulance, it’s for scheduled, non-urgent trips where the rider needs extra help and an accessible vehicle.
If you or a loved one has trouble getting to medical appointments, this guide explains what non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) is, who it’s for, and how to book a ride with ACCESS.
What Is Non-Emergency Medical Transportation?
Non-emergency medical transportation, often called NEMT, is a ride service for people who need help getting to and from medical care but don’t need emergency treatment on the way. Instead of a regular taxi or rideshare, NEMT uses wheelchair-accessible vans and drivers trained to help riders in and out of the vehicle safely.
NEMT is not an ambulance. If someone is having a medical emergency, call 911. NEMT is for planned trips, like a weekly dialysis appointment or a ride home after a hospital stay.
Who Uses Non-Emergency Medical Transportation in Jacksonville?
Many people in Jacksonville rely on non-emergency medical transportation, including:
- Wheelchair users who can’t ride safely in a regular car
- Seniors who no longer drive
- Dialysis patients with recurring appointments
- Patients being discharged from the hospital
- People recovering from surgery or an injury
- Family caregivers who can’t always drive their loved one
How Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Works in Jacksonville
Booking non-emergency medical transportation in Jacksonville is simple. You schedule the ride ahead of time, a trained driver picks you up at your door, and your wheelchair is safely secured in an accessible van for the trip to your appointment and back home.
Here’s what a typical trip looks like:
- Book your ride. Call us at 904-539-8484 or book online with your pickup address, appointment time, and any mobility needs.
- Door-to-door pickup. Your driver arrives on time and helps you from your door to the vehicle.
- Safe, secured ride. Wheelchairs are locked into place using a securement system designed for accessible vans.
- Drop-off and return. You’re brought to the entrance of your appointment, and your return trip is scheduled so you’re not left waiting.
Where to Use NEMT: Common Trip Types
- Doctor and specialist appointments, including Mayo Clinic and Baptist Health
- Dialysis treatments
- Physical therapy and rehab
- Hospital discharges
- Outpatient procedures
- Airport trips for wheelchair users
- Private-pay rides for errands or family events
See all of our non-emergency medical transportation services.
Does Insurance Pay for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation?
It depends on your coverage. If you have Florida Medicaid, your rides are usually arranged through your health plan’s transportation provider, so start by calling the number on the back of your card. You can read more on the Florida Medicaid non-emergency transportation page.
Original Medicare generally does not cover routine rides to appointments; it covers non-emergency ambulance trips only in limited cases (see Medicare’s ambulance coverage rules). Some Medicare Advantage plans include a transportation benefit, so check with your plan. Private pay is also an option when you need more flexibility with scheduling or trip types.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book?
Booking at least a day or two ahead is best, especially for recurring trips like dialysis. Same-day rides may be available depending on scheduling.
Can a family member or caregiver ride along?
In most cases, yes. Let us know when you book so we can plan for an extra passenger.
Do I need to own a wheelchair to ride?
No. Our vans are built for wheelchair users, but we also offer ambulatory rides for riders who use walkers or just need a little extra help.
Book Your Ride With ACCESS
ACCESS provides non-emergency medical transportation across Jacksonville, Orange Park, Ponte Vedra Beach, St. Augustine, Fleming Island, and surrounding communities. Our drivers are trained to help riders safely, and our wheelchair-accessible vans make every trip comfortable. Call 904-539-8484, book a trip online, or contact our team today.