How Much Does Medicaid Pay for Non-Emergency Transportation in Columbia, Missouri?
Access to dependable medical care is essential, yet transportation remains a barrier for many people in Columbia, Missouri. Not everyone has a car, can drive safely, or has family available to help. To remove transportation hurdles, Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet) provides Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) benefits.
This benefit exists to ensure Medicaid members can reach doctor appointments, check-ups, therapy treatments, pharmacy visits for vaccines, dialysis, mental health sessions, dental care, and more—without worrying about how to get there.
If you’re wondering how much Medicaid pays for non-emergency transportation in Missouri, how to qualify, and how to schedule rides in Columbia, this guide has you covered. You’ll also learn how Groovy Transportation supports Medicaid riders with safe, caring, and reliable medical transportation in the Columbia community.
What Is Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)?
NEMT provides pre-scheduled medical rides for Medicaid members who need transportation that is not urgent or life-threatening, but still medically necessary.
Unlike emergency ambulance services, NEMT is meant for everyday medical needs such as:
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Routine doctor visits
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Specialist appointments
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Hospital follow-up visits
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Dental procedures
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Vision care
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Physical therapy
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Dialysis
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Behavioral health counseling
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Vaccination or pharmacy runs
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Lab tests and imaging appointments
Whether someone is recovering from surgery, managing a disability, undergoing weekly dialysis, or simply needs a ride for a yearly checkup, NEMT helps make those trips possible.
How Much Does Medicaid Pay for Transportation in Missouri?
Missouri Medicaid covers transportation in two different ways:
1. Mileage Reimbursement
Medicaid pays approximately $0.67 per mile when you or someone else drives you to a covered appointment.
Example:
If your round-trip medical visit is 18 miles:
18 miles × $0.67 ≈ $12.06 reimbursed
Mileage reimbursement helps when members can arrange their own transportation but need help with fuel and travel costs.
The exact rate may adjust over time, but Missouri usually keeps it in line with federal medical mileage standards.
2. Covered Rides With an Approved NEMT Provider
When a Medicaid member books through an approved NEMT company like Groovy Transportation, the cost is covered directly by Medicaid.
That means eligible riders usually pay nothing out-of-pocket.
Covered ride types include:
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Sedans for mobile patients
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Wheelchair-accessible vans (if medically required)
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Door-to-door support
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Assistance for those who need help getting to the vehicle
This option supports individuals who cannot drive themselves or who don’t have someone available to transport them.
Who Qualifies for Medicaid Transportation in Columbia, MO?
You may qualify for NEMT if you:
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Are enrolled in MO HealthNet (Missouri Medicaid)
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Do not have a reliable personal transportation option
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Need transport to a Medicaid-approved medical appointment
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Schedule in advance (except urgent situations)
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Can provide appointment details when booking
Missouri Medicaid transportation is especially helpful for:
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Seniors
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Disabled individuals
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People managing chronic medical conditions
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Adults without a car
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Individuals unable to drive for health or safety reasons
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Low-income families
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Post-surgery patients
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Patients receiving frequent treatments, such as dialysis or therapy
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, Groovy Transportation can assist with guidance.
Medical Providers in Columbia Often Used by Medicaid Riders
Columbia residents may need transportation to local facilities, including:
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University Hospital (MU Health Care)
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Boone Hospital Center
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Truman VA Hospital
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Columbia Eye Consultants
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Burrell Behavioral Health
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Rusk Rehabilitation Center
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Local dental clinics
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Columbia therapy and rehab centers
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Dialysis treatment centers
With a city spread out across neighborhoods and clinics located in many areas, reliable transportation makes a major difference.
How to Book Medicaid Transportation in Columbia, Missouri
Booking NEMT is a simple process. To arrange a ride:
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Confirm you are enrolled in MO HealthNet
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Contact the state’s Medicaid transportation broker or your managed care plan
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Schedule at least 2–3 business days in advance
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Provide appointment date, time, and location
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Request Groovy Transportation as your preferred provider
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Receive pick-up details before travel day
For urgent medical needs that aren’t emergencies, faster booking may be available.
Groovy Transportation also helps riders with questions related to scheduling and eligibility.
What Types of NEMT Services Are Available?
Common ride types offered include:
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Standard medical car service
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Wheelchair transportation
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Assistance for mobility-challenged riders
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Scheduled recurring trips (for dialysis or therapy)
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Rides for children with a guardian
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Transport for veterans receiving approved care
Every ride focuses on comfort, safety, and dependable arrival times.
Why Medicaid Transportation Matters in Columbia
Missed appointments often lead to:
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Worsening medical issues
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More hospital visits
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Higher long-term medical costs
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Delayed recovery
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Compromised health for seniors and disabled patients
NEMT significantly improves access to healthcare, especially in a city where distance, weather, or mobility limitations can make travel difficult.
Transportation should never be the reason someone skips care.
Groovy Transportation: Columbia’s Trusted Medicaid Ride Provider
Groovy Transportation proudly serves the Columbia, Missouri community with supportive, safe medical transportation.
Patients choose us because we deliver:
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Friendly and respectful drivers
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Comfortable, well-maintained vehicles
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Prompt pick-up and drop-off
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Wheelchair-accessible transportation (where required)
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Help getting in and out of the vehicle when needed
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Clear communication and dependable scheduling
We believe every rider deserves dignity, patience, and reliable service.
Final Thoughts
Medicaid transportation is an important benefit for many residents in Columbia, MO. It ensures individuals can reach their appointments safely and on time without worrying about transportation costs.
If you or someone you care for needs medical transportation through Medicaid, Groovy Transportation is ready to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicaid really offer free rides to medical appointments?
Yes. As long as the ride meets Medicaid rules and you qualify, approved trips are covered.
How much does Missouri Medicaid reimburse per mile?
Around $0.67 per mile for self-arranged transportation.
Does Medicaid cover wheelchair transportation?
Yes, when medically necessary through an approved provider.
Can someone come with me?
Yes. Medicaid typically allows an escort when medically necessary, or a parent for minors.
How far ahead should I schedule?
Plan to book 2-3 days in advance. Urgent medical needs may qualify sooner.
Can I request Groovy Transportation?
Yes. You may choose Groovy Transportation as your preferred service provider.
