Does Medicaid Cover Medical Transportation in Georgia? (2026 Guide)
Complete guide to Medicaid-covered non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) in Georgia. Eligibility, how to book, Verida changes in 2026, and your rights.
Yes, Georgia Medicaid Covers Medical Transportation
If you’re a Georgia Medicaid member, you are entitled to free non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to and from covered medical appointments. This is a federal benefit — Medicaid programs in every state must provide transportation to eligible members who have no other way to get to their healthcare appointments.
In Georgia, this benefit covers rides to:
- Doctor appointments and specialists
- Dialysis and recurring treatments
- Mental health and behavioral health visits
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Dental appointments
- Pharmacy visits
- Hospital discharges (to home or another facility)
- Lab work and diagnostic testing
What Changed in 2026: The Verida Transition
Starting April 1, 2026, Georgia transitioned its Medicaid NEMT management to Verida (formerly known as Southeastrans). Verida now manages NEMT for all five Georgia Medicaid regions, replacing the previous multi-broker system.
What This Means for You:
- Same benefit, new manager — Your NEMT benefit hasn’t changed; only the company coordinating rides has changed
- New booking process — You may need to call Verida’s updated scheduling line to book rides
- Existing providers still available — NEMT providers like Duke Family Transportation continue to serve Medicaid members
- Advance booking recommended — During the transition, book rides at least 48-72 hours in advance
Who Qualifies for Medicaid NEMT in Georgia?
You qualify for Medicaid-covered medical transportation if you:
- Are an active Georgia Medicaid member (PeachCare, ABD Medicaid, TANF Medicaid, etc.)
- Have a covered medical appointment scheduled with a Medicaid-enrolled provider
- Have no other means of transportation — You don’t own a car, can’t drive, or have no one available to drive you
- Need the ride for a medical purpose — Rides must be to/from healthcare services covered by Medicaid
Types of Covered Rides:
| Ride Type | When Covered |
|---|---|
| Ambulatory (sedan) | When you can walk but need a ride |
| Wheelchair van | When you use a wheelchair or mobility device |
| Stretcher transport | When you cannot sit upright |
| Public transit pass | When public transit is available and appropriate |
| Gas reimbursement | When a family member or friend drives you |
How to Schedule a Medicaid Ride in Georgia
Step 1: Contact Verida
Call Verida (Georgia’s NEMT broker) to schedule your ride. You’ll need:
- Your Medicaid ID number
- Doctor/facility name and address
- Appointment date and time
- Any special needs (wheelchair, stretcher, attendant)
Step 2: Book in Advance
Book your ride at least 48-72 hours before your appointment. For recurring treatments (like dialysis), you can set up a standing order for all future rides.
Step 3: Be Ready on Time
Your driver will arrive within a pickup window (usually 1 hour before your appointment). Be ready at least 15 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.
Step 4: After Your Appointment
If you have a round trip booked, call when your appointment is finished, and a driver will be dispatched to pick you up.
What If Medicaid Denies Your Ride?
If your NEMT request is denied, you have the right to:
- Appeal the decision — Contact Verida to understand why and request a reconsideration
- Contact Georgia Medicaid — File a complaint with the Department of Community Health
- Use a private NEMT provider — Companies like Duke Family Transportation offer affordable private-pay rates
Private NEMT as an Alternative
Not everyone qualifies for Medicaid transportation, and sometimes the Medicaid scheduling process is challenging. Duke Family Transportation provides reliable NEMT for both Medicaid members and private-pay patients:
- Faster booking — Often same-day or next-day availability
- More flexible scheduling — No rigid pickup windows
- Dedicated driver — The same compassionate driver for recurring appointments
- ADA-compliant fleet — Wheelchair, stretcher, and ambulatory vehicles
- 24/7 availability — We’re here when you need us
Contact Duke Family Transportation
Whether you’re using Medicaid or paying privately, we’re here to help you get to your medical appointments safely.
- Phone: (470) 738-9609
- Online: Book a ride
- Service area: Dallas, Atlanta, Marietta, Douglasville, and all of Georgia
- Available: 24/7, including holidays
Need medical transportation in Georgia?
Duke Family Transportation provides reliable NEMT across Georgia. ADA-compliant vehicles, trained drivers, and door-to-door service.