UnitedHealthcare, Inc. (United) Vendor Transition to Medical Transportation Management, Inc. (MTM)

Non-Emergency Transportation services for UnitedHealthcare, Inc

Beginning March 1, 2026, non-emergency transportation services for UnitedHealthcare, Inc. (United) will be provided by Medical Transportation Management, Inc. (MTM). 

Florida MTM Health Managing Transportation Update 3_1_26.pdf

Download PDF • 91KB

United is an SMMC plan operating in regions B, D, and I.

All pre-scheduled and standing transportation trips for dates of service after February 28, 2026, will be automatically transferred to MTM.

For help or to make an appointment for a transportation trip for a United member, contact the MTM Customer Service Team at 1-888-777-6528 TTY: 711.

Hospitals and facilities should contact MTM at 1-888-778-5136 for help or to schedule transportation. Transportation providers should contact MTM at 1-888-597-1180 for assistance.

For member questions regarding this transition, contact United: MMA Member Services 1-888-716-8787, TTY 711LTC Member Services at 1-800-791-9233, TTY 711

For provider questions regarding this transition, contact United: MMA Provider Services 1-877-842-3210, TTY 711LTC Provider Services at 1-800-791-9233, TTY 711

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)

UnitedHealthcare (UHC) provides Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) for eligible Medicare Advantage and Medicaid members to plan-approved locations, often managed through vendors like Modivcare or MTM. Services include rideshare (Uber/Lyft), ambulatory transport, and wheelchair-accessible vans, typically requiring booking 2–3 days in advance via phone or app.

Key Details on UHC NEMT Services:

• Eligibility & Coverage: Benefits vary by plan (Medicare Advantage, DSNP, Medicaid). Services are for medical appointments, pharmacy visits, or other covered services.

• Booking Requirements: Generally, appointments must be scheduled at least 2 business days in advance.

• How to Book: Members can use the MyModivcare app/portal, SafeRide Health app (in specific regions like Florida), or call the number on their member ID card.

• Transport Options: Options range from sedans and taxis for ambulatory members to wheelchair-accessible vehicles for those needing extra assistance.

• Service Type: These are typically curb-to-curb services, meaning drivers do not enter the member's home.

  
  

Disclaimer: Always check your specific plan documents, as benefits and transportation managers (e.g., Modivcare, MTM) may differ by state and plan type.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get free transportation to medical appointments in Florida?

To get free medical transportation in Florida, contact your Medicaid health plan for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT), call 211 to connect with local resources like United Way's Ride United, check county-specific programs (e.g., Sunshine Line in Hillsborough), or inquire with disability/senior support groups like Epilepsy Alliance Florida, as programs offer rides for eligible seniors, low-income individuals, and people with disabilities to essential appointments. 

For Medicaid Recipients (Most Common)

• Contact your Managed Care Plan:

  Your Medicaid health plan (like Sunshine Health) must provide rides for essential medical appointments if you have no other way to get there. Call them directly or check their website for benefits. 

• Call 211:

  Dial 211 to speak with a specialist who can connect you with NEMT providers or local programs. 

• MTM, Inc.:

  This company manages NEMT for many Florida Medicaid plans; they can schedule rides for eligible individuals. 

For Seniors & People with Disabilities

• County Programs: Many counties have door-to-door services (e.g., Hillsborough's Sunshine Line, Cape Coral Mini-Bus, Sarasota's Breeze Plus) for seniors or those with disabilities.

• Community Organizations: Groups like Faith in Action offer volunteer drivers for essential trips. 

For Low-Income Individuals

• FindHelp.org: Use this site to find local programs, including those for low-income residents, for healthcare transportation. 

Other Options

• Veterans: Call 211 or ask your VA representative about transportation services. 

• Check with your clinic: Ask your doctor's office if they partner with any transport services.

How to Access

1. Verify Eligibility: Ensure you meet income, disability, or age requirements for specific programs.

2. Gather Info: Have your ID, income details, and appointment information ready. 

3. Schedule in Advance: Book rides days ahead, not last-minute, as most require advance notice (e.g., 48-72 hours). 

What number is 877-842-3210?

Connect with us through chat 24/7 in the UnitedHealthcare Provider Portal. You can also call Provider Services at 877-842-3210.

How much does non-emergency medical transport cost per hour?

Non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) costs vary but generally involve a base rate, per-mile fees, and hourly wait-time fees around $25 to $100+ per hour, depending heavily on service type (ambulatory, wheelchair, stretcher), time of day, and location, with stretcher/ALS services being significantly more expensive than basic transport. Expect hourly wait times for wheelchair transport to be around $45/hour and for stretcher transport to be $100/hour, while ambulatory wait fees might be lower, around $25/hour. 

Typical Hourly Costs & Factors

• Ambulatory (walking) Transport:

  Wait fees can be around $25/hour, with lower base rates. 

• Wheelchair Transport:

  Hourly wait fees often around $45/hour, plus higher base rates than ambulatory. 

• Stretcher (Gurney) Transport:

  Hourly fees can be $100/hour or more due to specialized equipment and staff. 

• Advanced Life Support (ALS):

  Significantly higher costs (50-100% more) due to paramedics and advanced equipment. 

Other Common Charges

• Base Fees: Start around $25 (ambulatory) to $100+ (stretcher) per trip. 

• Mileage: Typically $3-$7 per mile, often billed for the round trip. 

• After-Hours/Weekends: Expect surcharges (e.g., 25%+). 

• Additional Attendants/Equipment: Extra charges for oxygen, stairs, or extra personnel. 

Key Takeaway: Hourly costs are just one component; the total bill combines base, mileage, wait-time, and service-level fees, with stretcher/ALS services costing substantially more. 

Will Medicare pay for non-emergency transport?

Original Medicare (Parts A & B) generally does not cover routine non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), but it may cover non-emergency ambulance services if your doctor certifies it's medically necessary (e.g., for dialysis when other transport isn't possible). Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, however, often offer NEMT benefits as an extra perk for doctor's visits, pharmacy trips, and other health-related needs, so checking your specific plan is crucial.  

For Original Medicare (Part B):

• Coverage is limited to ambulance transport only: when other methods are unsafe. 

• You need a doctor's written order confirming the medical necessity. 

• Conditions for coverage include needing vital functions monitored or being unable to get out of bed/chair/wheelchair. 

• Medicare usually pays 80% of the approved amount after your deductible, but you pay 100% if it's not covered. 

For Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans:

• Many plans include NEMT benefits for routine appointments. 

• Benefits vary by plan, but can include rides via Uber, Lyft, or other services. 

• Contact your specific Medicare Advantage plan provider to understand their transportation benefits. 

Key Takeaway: While Original Medicare is strict, Medicare Advantage plans often provide essential NEMT, but you must verify your plan's specific offerings. 

Does Medicare cover Uber rides?

A Medicare Advantage plan may offer special transportation benefits that will cover getting you to your doctor. Some may even cover trips to your fitness center, and trips that are for health care via Lyft or Uber.

How can seniors get rides to doctor appointments near me?

Disability related transportation and senior ride programs include Paramount's Dial-A-Ride program. This is a door to door, demand response service. Individuals must call 48 hours in advance to schedule an appointment. Medical appointments transportation programs include Paramount's medical taxi program.

1) What It Is NEMT?

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) under UnitedHealthcare is a benefit that helps eligible members get ground transportation to and from covered health-related services (medical appointments, pharmacies, hospitals for non-urgent travel, behavioral health, etc.). It is not for emergency situations — in emergencies members must call 911.

NEMT typically includes:

• Taxi, van, or sedan rides

• Wheelchair-accessible vehicles

• Ambulance (non-emergency) when appropriate

• Public transit or other ground travel when allowed by the plan

• Mileage reimbursement in some plans when members provide their own ride arrangements and meet criteria

Depending on the plan type, the benefit may include a set number of one-way trips per period (e.g., 12 trips up to 50 miles one way in some Medicare Advantage plans).

2) How It’s Administered

UnitedHealthcare often uses third-party brokers to manage the NEMT service logistics:

• MTM Health — Many state Medicaid plans (e.g., Florida, Nebraska, Hawaii) use MTM to schedule and dispatch transportation, including door-to-door NEMT rides for covered services. Members call or book online.

• SafeRide Health — In some states (e.g., Texas Medicaid for UnitedHealthcare Community Plans) handles NEMT scheduling beginning 2026.

• Plan-specific arrangements — For commercial, Medicare Advantage or employer plans, scheduling and covered ride rules come from the member’s plan and may be coordinated through plan customer service.

Requests must usually be made in advance (often ≥2 business days for routine appointments). Urgent or same-day rides (such as post-hospital discharge) may have special scheduling rules.

3) Eligibility & Coverage Conditions

• Must be medically related and plan-approved services.

• Limited number of trips or mileage in some benefit designs (e.g., Medicare Advantage).

• Prior authorization or referral may be required under certain plans before a trip can be scheduled.

• Members often need to call specific numbers on their ID card or go through the transportation manager to arrange rides.

4) Typical Use Cases

Common NEMT uses under UnitedHealthcare plans include transportation to:

• Doctor or specialist appointments

• Dialysis and chemotherapy treatments

• Pharmacy pickups (where covered)

• Routine follow-ups and medical tests

• Rehab or therapy sessions. These are non-emergency services — urgent care or emergency transport are handled separately.

5) Differences by Plan Type

• Medicaid Managed Care (Community Plans) – NEMT often fully arranged by a broker; state rules govern scheduling and eligibility.

• Medicare Advantage / Commercial Plans – May include a capped trip benefit and require referrals and advance scheduling with plan customer service.

If you’re asking specifically about arranging or billing these services for members/employees, the details (contact numbers, advance notice, covered trips) depend on the state and the exact UnitedHealthcare plan product involved. Let me know if you need specific processes or contact points for a particular plan or state.

Related Articles

#1 Recommended Electric Patient Lift Transfer Chair in America | Safe & Easy

When caring for a loved one with limited mobility, safety, comfort, and independence matter. That’s where the Electric Patient Lift Transfer Chair Lift for Home from Zurcheel comes in — a premium solution designed to make transfers safer, smoother, and more dignified. Whether you’re a caregiver, family member, or health professional, this guide will help you understand why Zurcheel’s model stands out in 2026 and how it compares with today’s leading alternatives. Read Full Article.

Medical Lightweight Expedition Folding Transport Wheelchair Seniors Give the Thumps UP⬆

Mobility matters. Whether gaining independence after an injury, enabling a loved one to move with confidence, or simply making everyday outings easier, the right wheelchair transforms life. The Drive Medical Lightweight Expedition Folding Transport Wheelchair stands out as one of the most practical, portable, and capable choices on the market today. Designed for users and caregivers alike, this transport wheelchair delivers performance, comfort, convenience and value that’s hard to match. This article explains why it’s a top choice — and why now is the perfect time to buy. See our Buyer's Checklist at the end. Read Full Article.

The Best Durable Medical Equipment for Seniors: Top 6 Must-Have Products for Safety, Comfort, and Independence

As we age, maintaining independence, mobility, and safety becomes a top priority. For seniors and their caregivers, the right Durable Medical Equipment (DME) can make all the difference in improving daily life. From reducing fall risks to aiding in mobility and hygiene, these tools are essential for enhancing quality of life at home. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the best durable medical equipment for seniors, with a special focus on key products like Toilet Safety Rails, Car Handle Assist, Electric Chair Lift, Lightweight Wheelchair, Gait Belt, and Shower Chair. Whether you're shopping for a loved one or preparing for the future, this guide has everything you need to know. Read Full Article.

Disclaimer

This article may contain Amazon affiliate links . Ask Medicaid Florida is an Amazon Associate Partner. We earn a commission on all qualified purchases (at no additional cost to you). This website is for informational purposes only. Read full disclaimer.