Benefits
 If you do not have transportation to a covered medical appointment, you may qualify for free ride through Non-Emergent Medical Transportation (NEMT). NEMT is for scheduled medical care and non-emergency health visits. If you are having a medical emergency, call 911.

Transportation provider change

⚠️ Transportation services are changing across Colorado

MediDrive is already coordinating rides in the nine-county Denver metro area. Beginning January 1, 2027, MediDrive will expand to the rest of Colorado. Read the flyer to learn more about the transportation change.

If you live outside the Denver metro area

Nothing changes yet. Continue using your current local transportation service for now.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Now through November 30: Use your current local transportation service.
  • Starting December 1: Use MediDrive to schedule rides for appointments on January 1, 2027, and later. Please do not call MediDrive before December 1 to schedule these rides.
  • Starting January 1, 2027: MediDrive will coordinate qualifying health-related rides throughout the rest of Colorado.
  • Your Medicaid transportation benefit is not going away.
  • Plan ahead: Schedule your ride at least 2 business days before your appointment.
  • You can choose your preferred non-emergent medical transportation (NEMT) provider if they are available through the MediDrive network.

How to schedule with MediDrive

Starting December 1, 2026:

The benefit is staying. The way you schedule your ride is changing.

What services can I get transportation to?

You may be able to get transportation to covered Health First Colorado services, including:

  • Doctor and specialist appointments
  • Behavioral health (mental health and substance use disorder) visits
  • Dialysis treatments
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Pharmacy trips
  • Hospital discharges
  • Other medically necessary covered services

Transportation may include:

  • Public transit
  • Car or van rides
  • Wheelchair-accessible vehicle

Schedule a ride

Schedule your ride at least two business days before your appointment.

Be ready to give:

  • Your name
  • Your Health First Colorado ID number
  • Your birth date
  • Appointment date and time
  • Pick-up address
  • Provider name, address, and phone number

A parent, caregiver, or other support person may be able to ride with you when medically necessary.

Other transportation benefits

Mileage reimbursement

If a friend, family member, or caregiver drives you, you may qualify for mileage reimbursement. Prior approval through MediDrive is required. Contact MediDrive for information.

Out-of-state NEMT travel

NEMT may cover:

  • Mileage reimbursement
  • Air travel
  • Train travel
  • Meals and lodging

Meals purchased with SNAP benefits during long days or overnight stays cannot be reimbursed.

Prior approval through MediDrive is required. Contact MediDrive for information.

Feedback about an NEMT experience

Contact Health First Colorado if:

  • A driver takes an unnecessary route
  • A driver offers money or incentives
  • A driver behaves inappropriately
  • You have concerns about your transportation service

Report fraud concerns to Health First Colorado

Report concerns to the Colorado Attorney General’s Office

Your name and personal information will be kept confidential when reporting suspected provider fraud.

Other questions?

Send questions to NEMT@state.co.us.