Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Rates in Florida

Serving Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties

Compare rates for ambulatory, wheelchair, and stretcher transportation in South Florida. Review the base charges, additional mileage, and waiting fees below, or use our trip estimator to plan your ride.

Updated: November 11, 2026

How Much Does Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Cost?

There are many factors. First, the rates for NEMT vary by provider. There is no national standard for NEMT cost in the United States. And insurance coverage for these services varies by insurance company.

Your total depends on the non-emergency transportation type (stretcher, wheelchair, or ambulatory), trip distance, and any additional services.

The table below shows CallTheCare’s local rates in Florida.

Transportation Type	Base / Loading Charge	Additional Mileage (per mile)*	Waiting (per hour)
Ambulatory Transportation	$15 (1-3 miles)	$2.50 per mile	$25
Wheelchair Transportation	$50 load fee	$3 per mile	$45
Bariatric Wheelchair Transportation (over 250 lb)	$80 load fee	$3 per mile	$45
Stretcher Transportation	$200–$250	$3 per mile	$100
Bariatric Stretcher Transportation (over 250 lb)	$260–$300	$3 per mile	$100

* On major holidays, we may charge $3–$5 per mile for additional mileage. We’ll confirm the exact rate when you book.

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Cost per Mile

For local trips, Call The Care charges $2.50 per additional mile for ambulatory transportation and $3 per additional mile for wheelchair and stretcher transportation, including bariatric options. The base or loading charge is separate.

Mileage is measured from pickup to drop-off. For example, 10 additional billable miles on a wheelchair trip cost $30. Added to the $50 loading charge, that gives a subtotal of $80 before waiting or other applicable charges.

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How Pricing Works

Trips are billed one-way. A round trip is charged as two one-way trips, plus any wait time (if applicable).
The base rate includes the first 1–3 miles (depending on transport type). After that, additional mileage is billed at the per-mile rate listed in the table.
Wait time applies after a 10-minute grace period past the scheduled pickup time and is billed at the hourly wait-time fee listed in the table for your transport type.
Extra charges may apply for after-hours service, stairs, and escort assistance.

Additional Service Rates:

Oxygen provided for $25
Stair chair service provided for $25

Long-Distance Medical Transportation Rates

Trips over 100 miles or out of state follow our long-distance pricing. We confirm the total cost with a quote before you book.

View our long-distance medical transportation service details

Factors Affecting NEMT Costs in Florida

Understanding NEMT costs is like solving a puzzle. Several factors go into the cost:

Type of transportation: The cost can vary greatly depending on whether it’s ambulatory, wheelchair, or stretcher.
Distance: Longer distances mean higher costs due to fuel, time and wear and tear on the vehicle.
Level of assistance: Extra assistance, like help with boarding or extra medical support, adds to the cost.
Time of service: Services during off-peak hours, weekends or holidays may have premium charges.
Region: Costs can vary by region or city, urban areas often have higher rates than rural ones.

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Services

There are many types of NEMT services:

Ambulatory Services: For those who can walk but need assistance.
Wheelchair Services: Vehicles with ramps or lifts for wheelchair users.
Stretcher Services: For patients who must lie down.
Bariatric transport: For patients who are significantly overweight and require special equipment.

Average NEMT Cost in Florida

So how much does non-emergency medical transportation cost in Florida?

Ambulatory Services: $25 to $50 one way.
Wheelchair Services: $50 to $100 one way.
Stretcher Services: $200 to $300 one way.
Bariatric transport: Can be over $300 per trip due to special equipment and vehicles.

These rates may vary based on the factors above.

Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach

Call The Care provides services in these three counties:

Miami-Dade: Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Doral, and Kendall.
Broward: Fort Lauderdale and surrounding communities.
Palm Beach: West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and surrounding communities.

For a quote, provide both your pickup and destination addresses, including for trips between counties. We can confirm availability and pricing for your route.

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Insurance for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation

Before booking, ask your health plan whether your ride is covered, whether approval is required, and who must arrange the transportation. Check with your insurance provider to see what’s covered.

Medicare and Medicaid

Medicare: Medicare usually doesn’t cover non-emergency medical transportation. In limited cases, Medicare may cover non-emergency ambulance transport when it’s medically necessary and ordered by a clinician.

Medicaid: Florida Medicaid covers qualifying non-emergency transportation for eligible members who have no other transportation available to a covered medical service. Contact your health plan or assigned transportation provider to confirm eligibility and arrange your ride.

FAQs

How much does wheelchair transportation cost?

Standard wheelchair transportation has a $50 loading charge plus $3 per additional billable mile. Waiting and other applicable services add to the total. Bariatric wheelchair transportation has an $80 loading charge.

How much does stretcher transportation cost?

Local stretcher transportation has a $200–$250 base charge plus $3 per additional billable mile. Bariatric stretcher transportation has a $260–$300 base charge. Waiting and other applicable services add to the total.

Does Medicare cover NEMT services?

Medicare usually doesn’t cover NEMT. In limited cases, Medicare may cover ground ambulance transportation when it’s medically necessary and supported by a written order from a clinician.
Check with Medicare for more information.

Are there free NEMT services?

Some community organizations, hospitals and non-profits offer free or low cost NEMT services. Medicaid beneficiaries may qualify for free transportation to medical appointments.

What information do you need to quote my ride?

Provide your pickup and destination addresses, travel date and time, transportation type, and whether you need a return trip. Tell us about stairs, oxygen needs, or other assistance so we can account for them in your quote.