How the UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage transportation benefit works
If you need help getting to an appointment, you may have access to routine, non-emergent transportation at no cost through your UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan. Here’s how to make the most of it.
How can eligible members use transportation services?
Routine transportation is curb-to-curb for your convenience. If you have a wheelchair or need additional help, wheelchair-accessible vans may be available upon request. Members will need to bring their own assistive device(s) if needed.
What are my transportation options?
Eligible Medicare Advantage plan members have access to a range of no-cost transportation options to suit their needs.2 Transportation options may include:
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Rideshare services (Lyft/Uber) | Ideal for members who can safely walk to and from a regular car without assistance. |
| Ambulatory Non-Emergency Medical Transport (NEMT) | For members who need a little extra assistance, such as those who require a cane, walker or who have limited mobility. |
| Wheelchair and XL-Wheelchair NEMT | For members who regularly use a wheelchair, including XL or bariatric models, we offer comfortable transportation in specialized wheelchair-accessible vans. |
One adult (18 or older) may accompany members on any trip.
How can I schedule a trip?
There are a couple of ways to schedule a trip. Depending on your plan, you may be able to schedule by:
Frequently asked questions about UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage transportation coverage
You or your relative, legal guardian or authorized representative may schedule a trip for you. A case manager/representative from your plan or medical facility can also schedule a trip on your behalf.
Trips must be scheduled at least 3 business days before your appointment. The earliest you can schedule a trip is 2 weeks before your appointment.
When scheduling the trip reservation, you have the option to set a time for the return trip home or leave it open as a “will call.” The transportation provider will have up to one hour to return for your pick-up upon activation of a “will call” return trip. If you have further questions, please contact the number on your UCard.
Trips booked with less than 3 business days’ notice are limited to the following reasons:
- Hospital discharges
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Wound care
- Dialysis-related services
- Urgent care (non-emergency/not emergency room [ER])
Urgent and same-day trips need to be requested at least 4 hours in advance.
You may have to share a trip on some trips with other transportation clients.
Routine (non-urgent) medical appointment trips may be covered. The routine transportation benefit includes car, van, taxi and trip-share services, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles (lift-equipped and bariatric). It does not include stretcher trips, mileage reimbursement, mass transit or air trips of any kind.
No. Your driver may be able to help you with a wheelchair or walker, if needed.