Non-Emergent Medical Transportation (NEMT)

Eligibility

The program will check to see if you are eligible for free rides.

 

Medical, Behavioral, or Dental Health Providers

You can get a free ride to your health care provider that is able to provide the medical, behavioral, or dental health services you need.

 

Scheduling Rides

To schedule a ride, call the free ride program during regular business hours. We are open Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Pacific Time. The program is closed on major holidays.

 

Needed information to schedule a ride:

• Full name

• Full street address

• Phone number or contact number

• Physician/Facility name

• Physician/Facility street address

• Physician/Facility phone number

• Date of appointment

• Time of appointment

• Pick-up time after appointment

• Medical/purpose of appointment

• Any special needs, such as using a wheelchair

See “Children” for setting up rides for children.

 

Privacy

The program complies with HIPAA standards. We will not discuss the reason for your appointment so that others can hear.

 

When to call for a ride?

If you ask ahead of time, it is easier to find you a ride. Anywhere from two working days to two months is helpful. If you have repeat appointments, such as therapy or dialysis, you can set up rides for 6 months at a time.

 

Same day rides

For short notice same day rides, or if there is an immediate need to get to an appointment, call us, we will try to find you a ride.

 

How do I schedule a ride?

To schedule a ride, call us at 1-877-875-4657 or the local number listed above.

 

Canceling ride requests

Call us. The earlier you can let us know, the better.

 

Ambulance transportation (non-emergent only)

If you have an emergency, call 911. The program does NOT arrange for emergency transportation. However, we can support in getting  you an ambulance if you need one for a non-emergency ride.

 

When to be ready?

Drivers have a 30-minute window to pick you up. They may arrive within 15 minutes before to 15 minutes after your scheduled pick-up time.

 

Hours of Service

If you need a ride outside normal working days and hours, call us as soon as possible. Free rides are available any time of day or night, every day of the year.

 

Types of Rides

Here are some types of rides we arrange:

• Volunteers

• Rural Public Transportation services

• Private Non-Profit transportation services

• For Profit transportation services

Vehicle types:

• Automobiles

• SUV’s

• Vans

• Vehicles able to transport wheelchairs

• Vehicles able to transport stretchers

• Ambulances (non-emergent only)

 

Travel Costs

The program can help with mileage, meals, and lodging costs if a travel day is long or you have to stay in lodging away from home.

You must ask for this ahead of time. We will need your lodging receipt. To be paid back, you will need to fill out Healthcare Appointment Verification Form and staff at the clinic you visit will sign it.

You have up to 45 days to give us the form and receipt.

The program will review your form and receipt. We will send you a check within 30 days once your form is approved. The program will contact you if the request needs more information.

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The current payment rates are:

• 44 cents per mile

• Up to $27 a day for meals

• $98 a night for lodging

 

Service Description

The service is door-to-door. Drivers can assist you to the clinic lobby, but not into exam rooms. They will not enter your home or your personal living space, nor will they assist with dressing or other tasks.

 

Personal Care Attendant

An attendant needs to travel with you if you cannot travel by yourself. The program does not supply attendants. There is no charge for bringing an attendant.

 

Children

There is no charge for an adult attendant.

An adult attendant must be with children under the age of 12. The child’s parent or legal guardian must approve in writing the child’s adult attendant.

Children 12 and older may have an attendant travel with them for free.

Drivers do not install car seats or booster seats. The child’s attendant is responsible for the proper installation of car seats or booster seats.

 

Wheelchair/Mobility Aids

Drivers will only assist users of wheelchairs (manual type) up or down a curb or one stair.

Tell the program if your wheelchair is larger than 30 inches wide or 48 inches long or weighs more than 600 pounds when occupied. They will find the proper sized vehicle that can transport your wheelchair.

You can bring portable oxygen tanks and devices on rides. Please know that drivers cannot give oxygen.

 

Service Animals

Service animals are allowed on rides. The program must know in advance that a service animal will be traveling with you.

 

Seatbelts

For your safety and the safety of others, you must wear a seatbelt during your ride. Oregon, Idaho, and Washington state laws require this.

 

Complaints and Concerns

The Program is committed to quality customer service. If you have a complaint or concern you should call the program at 1-877-875-4657. You can call or write to us to fill out a satisfaction survey that will be provided to you free of charge.