Non-Emergent Medical Transportation (NEMT)

What is Non-Emergent Medical Transportation (NEMT)?

Non-Emergent Medical Transportation (NEMT) is transportation to and from covered non-emergency medical appointments or services. NEMT is only available when a Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid Program) member has no other means of transportation. NEMT services are coordinated by a State Designated Entity (SDE). Colorado has three types of SDEs:

New Non-Emergent Medical Transportation (NEMT) Broker Beginning September 1!

As of September 1, 2019, IntelliRide will be the new broker for Health First Colorado’s NEMT benefit. To schedule new trips, or confirm existing trips for after 9/1/2019, call IntelliRide at (303) 398-2155 or (855) 489-4999. To schedule online go to gointelliride.com/colorado/.

Member Resources
  • Most Health First Colorado members who have no other means of transportation may qualify.
  • Members under the following Health First Colorado programs do not qualify:
    • Old Age Pension – State Medical Program (OAP SMP)
    • Qualified Individual – 1 Medicare (QI-1)
    • Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)
    • Special Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)

Note: Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) is not a Health First Colorado program and is not eligibible for NEMT services.

Transportation to and from Health First Colorado covered non-emergency medical appointments or services when a member has no other means of transportation. Types of transportation available vary by location and may include:

  • Mileage Reimbursement for members or volunteers
  • Bus tokens and passes
  • Public transportation
  • Private vehicle
  • Wheelchair van
  • Stretcher van
  • Mobility vehicle
  • Ground and Air Ambulance
  • Commercial Plane
  • Train

The transportation mode authorized will be the least costly available based on your condition.

Meals and lodging may be covered under NEMT. Transportation, meals and lodging for an escort to accompany an at-risk adult or child may also be covered.

Transportation anywhere other than a covered Health First Colorado medical appointment or service at an authorized Health First Colorado provider service location.

Drivers are not required to assist with any personal care nor enter a member's house for any reason. However, you may travel with an escort if needed during your trip to assist with these tasks. If housing barriers present safety hazards for you or prevent safe exit from your home, please contact your care coordinator or case manager for assistance with resources.

If you are enrolled in a Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver program, some non-medical transportation may be covered. For additional information, contact your local Single Entry Point Agency.

If you live in the following counties, contact IntelliRide at (303) 398-2155 or (855) 489-4999. To schedule online go to gointelliride.com/colorado/.

  • Adams
  • Arapahoe
  • Boulder
  • Broomfield
  • Denver
  • Douglas
  • Jefferson
  • Larimer
  • Weld

If you live in the following counties, contact Mountain Ride Transportation Resource Center at 844-686-7433 (Toll-Free).

  • Eagle
  • Grand
  • Jackson
  • Park
  • Pitkin
  • Summit

If you live in a county that is not listed above, contact County Express at 970-867-6494 for Fort Morgan, 970-542-6440 for Sterling, or 970-848-0300 for Yuma.

  • Logan
  • Morgan
  • Phillips
  • Sedgwick
  • Washington
  • Yuma

If you live in the following counties, contact Red Willows at 719-589-5734.

  • Alamosa
  • Conejos
  • Costilla
  • Mineral
  • Rio Grande
  • Saguache

If you live in a county that is not listed above, please contact your local county office.

For more information contact the Health First Colorado Member Contact Center.

The information you are required to provide varies by location but will typically include:

  • Member name
  • Health First Colorado Identification Number
  • Phone number
  • One other type of personal information, such as birth date
  • Date the ride is required
  • Actual address of pick-up location
  • Name, address, and phone number of medical provider

Train (intrastate), Air, and Out-of-State Travel

If you believe you require train, air, and/or out-of-state travel, contact your SDE as soon as possible. As required by the NEMT Benefits Collaborative Policy Statement, train (intrastate), air, and out-of-state travel must be prior authorized by the state authorizing agent at the request of the SDE. The Department requires that the NEMT Request Form be completed and submitted prior to travel. The form should be submitted as soon as travel is requested to allow sufficient time for Departmental review.