By MedTransport Finder||State Guides

How to Get Medi-Cal Transportation in California: Complete Guide

If you have Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program, you're entitled to free transportation to medical appointments. This benefit helps nearly 15 million Californians access healthcare—but many don't know it exists or how to use it.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Medi-Cal transportation in California: how to request rides, which phone numbers to call, what's covered, and how to handle problems.

Two Types of Medi-Cal Transportation in California

California offers two distinct transportation benefits through Medi-Cal, according to the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS):

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)

NEMT is for Medi-Cal members whose medical condition prevents them from using regular transportation. This includes:

  • Wheelchair vans
  • Stretcher/litter vans
  • Ambulance transport (non-emergency)
  • Air transport (when medically necessary)

You need NEMT if: Your medical condition requires specialized vehicles—for example, you use a wheelchair, need to travel lying down, or require medical monitoring during transport.

Requirement: Your doctor must complete a Physician Certification Statement (PCS) form specifying your functional limitations and the type of transportation you need.

Non-Medical Transportation (NMT)

NMT is for Medi-Cal members who can use regular vehicles but have no other way to get to appointments. This includes:

  • Sedan or rideshare services
  • Public transit passes or tickets
  • Mileage reimbursement (when a friend or family member drives)
  • Gas vouchers

You qualify for NMT if: You don't have access to a car, can't drive, and don't have someone who can take you to your appointment.

Requirement: NMT generally does not require prior authorization, though some health plans may request it. You simply need to demonstrate you have no other transportation available.

What Medi-Cal Transportation Covers

According to Disability Rights California, Medi-Cal transportation covers round-trip rides to:

  • Doctor and specialist appointments
  • Dental appointments
  • Mental health services
  • Substance use disorder treatment
  • Pharmacy visits (to pick up prescriptions)
  • Medical supply pickups
  • Lab work and diagnostic testing
  • Hospital admissions and discharges

Travel-Related Expenses

For appointments requiring significant travel, Medi-Cal may also cover:

  • Meals during travel
  • Lodging (for overnight stays)
  • Attendant costs (if you need someone to accompany you)

Your health plan must reimburse actual expenses within 60 days or prepay vendors. Plans may reference IRS per diem rates as a guide for meals and lodging amounts.

How to Request Medi-Cal Transportation

The process depends on whether you're in a Managed Care Plan or Fee-for-Service Medi-Cal.

If You Have a Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan

Nearly 90% of Medi-Cal beneficiaries are enrolled in managed care plans. If you have a managed care plan, call your plan's transportation line to schedule rides.

Here are the transportation phone numbers for major California Medi-Cal health plans:

Health Plan Transportation Phone Hours
Anthem Blue Cross 1-877-931-4755 (TTY 711) Mon-Fri, 7am-7pm
Blue Shield Promise 1-877-433-2178 (TTY 711) 24/7
L.A. Care Health Plan 1-888-839-9909 Call for hours
Health Net Community Solutions Call Member Services Call for hours
Molina Healthcare 1-888-665-4621 Call for hours
Santa Clara Family Health Plan 1-800-260-2055 (TTY 711) Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5pm
Health Plan of San Mateo 1-844-856-4389 Call for hours
Partnership HealthPlan 1-866-828-2303 Mon-Fri, 7am-7pm
Central California Alliance (NMT) 1-800-700-3874 ext. 5577 Mon-Sat, 8am-7pm
Central California Alliance (NEMT) 1-800-700-3874 ext. 5640 Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm
San Francisco Health Plan Call Member Services Call for hours
CalOptima (Orange County) 1-714-246-8600 Call for hours
Inland Empire Health Plan 1-800-440-4347 Call for hours

Don't see your plan? Call the Member Services number on the back of your Medi-Cal card and ask for transportation services.

If You Have Fee-for-Service (FFS) Medi-Cal

If you're not enrolled in a managed care plan, you have Fee-for-Service Medi-Cal. Here's how to request transportation:

For NMT (Non-Medical Transportation):

  1. Ask your doctor if they can connect you with a transportation provider
  2. Email DHCS-Benefits@dhcs.ca.gov to request assistance (do NOT include personal information in your first email—staff will reply with a secure form)
  3. Contact an NMT provider directly if you have their information

For NEMT (Non-Emergency Medical Transportation):

  1. Tell your doctor you need NEMT
  2. Your doctor must submit a prescription/authorization
  3. Call the DHCS Telephone Service Center at 1-800-541-5555 for help with Treatment Authorization Requests (TARs)

Questions about FFS transportation? Call the Beneficiary Service Center at 1-916-403-2007 (TDD/TTY: 1-866-784-2595).

Step-by-Step: Booking Your Ride

Step 1: Know Your Deadlines

Appointment Type When to Book
Routine appointments 2-5 business days ahead
Recurring treatments (dialysis, chemotherapy) Set up a standing order
Urgent appointments As soon as possible (call to confirm availability)

Different health plans have different advance notice requirements. When in doubt, call as early as possible.

Step 2: Have This Information Ready

When you call to schedule:

  • Your Medi-Cal ID number (on your BIC card)
  • Pickup address and phone number
  • Appointment address and provider name
  • Appointment date and time
  • Type of transportation needed (wheelchair, stretcher, etc.)
  • Any special needs (oxygen, attendant, child car seat)

Step 3: Get a Physician Certification Statement (for NEMT)

If you need NEMT (wheelchair van, stretcher van, etc.), your doctor must complete a PCS form before you can receive transportation. Each managed care plan has its own PCS form.

Key points about the PCS:

  • Your doctor specifies your functional limitations
  • Your doctor indicates which mode of transport you need
  • Once your doctor prescribes the transportation type, the health plan cannot change it
  • For recurring appointments, the PCS can authorize up to 12 months of transportation

Step 4: Confirm Before Your Appointment

The day before your appointment:

  1. Call your health plan's transportation line to confirm pickup time
  2. Verify the pickup location
  3. Get a contact number for the day of transport

Step 5: Be Ready for Pickup

On the day of your appointment:

  • Be ready 15 minutes before your scheduled pickup time
  • Wait in a visible, accessible location
  • Have your Medi-Cal card with you
  • Bring the transportation company's phone number

Important: According to DHCS requirements, your managed care plan must arrive within 15 minutes of the scheduled pickup time.

For Recurring Appointments (Dialysis, Chemotherapy, etc.)

If you have regular medical appointments, you can set up a standing order so you don't have to call before every appointment.

According to DHCS policy, for covered services requiring recurring appointments, your health plan must:

  • Provide authorization for NEMT for the duration of the recurring appointments (up to 12 months)
  • Ensure you have a standing order guaranteeing assigned rides for the duration of the appointments

How to set up a standing order:

  1. Call your health plan's transportation line
  2. Explain that you have recurring appointments (include frequency and expected duration)
  3. Provide all appointment details
  4. Ask for a standing order confirmation number
  5. Request the same driver if consistency is important to you

Finding Your Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan

Not sure which health plan you have? California operates several managed care models across its 58 counties:

  • County Organized Health Systems (COHS): One health plan serves the entire county
  • Two-Plan Model: Choice between a local plan and a commercial plan
  • Geographic Managed Care: Multiple plans available in certain urban areas
  • Regional Model: Used in less populated areas

To find your plan or choose a new one:

What If Your Transportation Request Is Denied?

If your health plan denies your NEMT or NMT request, you have the right to appeal.

For Managed Care Plan Denials

  1. File an appeal with your health plan within 60 days of receiving the denial notice
  2. Your plan must respond within 30 days (or 72 hours for urgent requests)
  3. If the plan upholds the denial, you can request a State Fair Hearing

For Fee-for-Service Denials

  1. Request a State Fair Hearing within 90 days of the denial
  2. Call 1-800-743-8525 to request a hearing by phone
  3. Or submit a written request to the State Hearings Division

Need help with an appeal? Contact Disability Rights California at 1-800-776-5746 for free legal assistance.

Common Questions About Medi-Cal Transportation

Can a family member drive me and get reimbursed?

Yes. Medi-Cal may provide mileage reimbursement when a family member or friend drives you to medical appointments. Contact your health plan or, for FFS, email DHCS-Benefits@dhcs.ca.gov to request the mileage reimbursement form.

What if I need someone to accompany me?

Most health plans allow an attendant, aide, or family member to ride with you if medically necessary. Let the transportation coordinator know when booking that you need an escort.

Does Medi-Cal transportation cover rides to the pharmacy?

Yes. Transportation to pick up prescriptions and medical supplies is covered under both NEMT and NMT.

What if my ride doesn't show up?

  1. Call your health plan's transportation line immediately—they may be able to send another vehicle
  2. Document the incident (date, time, confirmation number)
  3. If problems persist, file a grievance with your health plan
  4. Contact DHCS if your health plan doesn't resolve the issue

Can I use Medi-Cal transportation for mental health appointments?

Yes. Mental health and substance use disorder treatment appointments are covered. This includes transportation to county behavioral health services and Drug Medi-Cal providers.

Is transportation available for children's appointments?

Yes. Parents or guardians can accompany children to medical appointments. Some plans provide car seats for young children—ask when booking.

Tips for Getting the Best Service

  1. Book early — Don't wait until the last minute, especially for NEMT
  2. Keep records — Save confirmation numbers, driver names, and pickup times
  3. Be specific about your needs — Mention mobility devices, oxygen, or other requirements upfront
  4. Request standing orders for recurring appointments — One call covers multiple trips
  5. Know your rights — Plans must arrive within 15 minutes of scheduled time
  6. Report problems immediately — Document issues and follow up with your plan

Need Help Finding Transportation in California?

Whether you have Medi-Cal or need private medical transportation, MedTransport Finder can help you locate NEMT providers throughout California. Our directory includes providers in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, and communities across all 58 counties.

Search for California providers or contact us with questions.

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