How Much Does Medicare Pay for Transportation?
Understand Medicare's transportation coverage. Learn what services are covered, key limitations, and your potential out-of-pocket costs.
Medicare, the federal health insurance program for individuals aged 65 or older, and certain younger people with disabilities, provides coverage for a range of healthcare services. While its coverage for transportation services is specific, understanding what Medicare pays for and under what conditions can help beneficiaries navigate their healthcare needs. This article explains how Medicare covers transportation and outlines potential out-of-pocket costs.
Medicare Part B Coverage for Ambulance Services
Medicare Part B covers medically necessary ambulance services for emergency situations. This includes transportation to the nearest appropriate medical facility when a health condition is in serious danger and other transport methods could endanger the individual’s health. Both ground and air ambulance services are covered if rapid transport is required due to distance or other obstacles.
Medicare Part B also covers non-emergency ambulance transportation when a beneficiary’s medical condition prevents safe transport by other means. For instance, coverage may apply if an individual is bed-confined, unable to walk, or requires vital medical services during the trip. A physician’s written order certifying medical necessity is often required.
Medicare Advantage Plan Transportation Benefits
Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Medicare Part C, are offered by private companies approved by Medicare and may provide additional transportation benefits beyond Original Medicare. These plans must offer at least the same coverage as Original Medicare, but many include enhanced transportation benefits to improve access to care.
The specific transportation benefits offered by Medicare Advantage plans vary significantly based on the plan, location, and provider. Examples of such supplemental benefits include rides to doctor appointments, pharmacies, or even fitness centers. Some plans may partner with transportation companies or ride-sharing services for health-related trips.
Out-of-Pocket Costs for Covered Transportation
Even when Medicare covers transportation services, beneficiaries are responsible for certain out-of-pocket costs. For ambulance services covered under Medicare Part B, individuals must first meet their annual Part B deductible. In 2025, the Medicare Part B deductible is $257.
After the deductible is met, beneficiaries generally pay a 20% coinsurance of the Medicare-approved amount for the ambulance service. Medicare Advantage plans may have different cost-sharing structures, including varying copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles for covered services.
Transportation Not Covered by Medicare
Medicare generally does not cover transportation services for convenience or non-medical purposes. This includes routine transportation to doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, or other healthcare facilities unless an ambulance is medically necessary. Rides for common errands or social activities are typically not covered.
Medicare also does not cover transportation solely because other means of transport are unavailable or inconvenient. For example, ambulette services, which are wheelchair-accessible vans for non-emergency transport, are generally not covered. Beneficiaries are responsible for the full cost of transportation that does not meet Medicare’s strict medical necessity criteria.