Scheduling Non‑Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) in Minnesota should never be confusing or time‑consuming. Whether you live in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Duluth, or a rural township, following the right steps ensures you reach dialysis, chemotherapy, physical therapy, or primary‑care visits safely and on time.
This guide offers clear instructions, essential forms, and trusted contact information for reliable NEMT providers, including Sunset Mobility Inc., a licensed and locally rooted NEMT provider serving southeastern Minnesota residents with reliability, compassion, and ADA‑compliant vehicles. If you’re searching for “how to book a medical ride in Minnesota”, you’ve landed in the right place.
1. Confirm Eligibility and Coverage
A. Medical Assistance (MA) and MinnesotaCare
If receiving MA or MinnesotaCare, you’re likely eligible for free NEMT services to and from your nearest eligible healthcare provider. Most Medical Assistance recipients must first contact MTM-MNET at (866) 467-1724 for the Twin Cities metro area or your local county coordinator for scheduling. Sunset Mobility Inc. is certified under Minnesota’s Special Transportation Services (STS) program and enrolled with Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) to provide rides across southeastern Minnesota.
B. Waiver and Private Insurance Plans
- CADI, BI, and EW waiver clients typically schedule through their county coordinator or case manager first, though some may request specific providers like Sunset Mobility Inc.
- Some Medicare Advantage plans offer limited NEMT coverage—contact your insurance provider to verify benefits.
- Private-pay clients are welcome and receive upfront estimates with transparent pricing.
2. Gather Required Information Before You Call
To avoid delays, prepare the following before booking a ride:
- Your full name, date of birth, MHCP ID or health plan number
- Complete pickup and drop-off addresses (clinics, hospitals, rehab centers, etc.)
- Appointment date and time
- Medical equipment details (wheelchair, oxygen tank, walker)
- Escort or caregiver information (if applicable)
- Preferred language or ADA accommodation requests
Physician Certification Statements (PCS)
For wheelchair or stretcher transport, your medical provider may need to complete a PCS form. Ask your clinic for this ahead of time—providers can help fax or upload it to MTM or your county coordinator.
3. Understanding the Scheduling Process
Primary Coordinators for Minnesota NEMT:
For Medical Assistance recipients:
- Twin Cities Metro (13 counties): MTM-MNET at (866) 467-1724
- Northern Minnesota (4 counties): MTM Health at (844) 399-9466
- Other counties: Contact your local county human services department
Direct Provider Scheduling:
Private-pay clients and some insurance holders may schedule directly with certified providers like Sunset Mobility Inc. who serve southeastern Minnesota with local dispatchers who know Minnesota roads, traffic, and weather. All providers operate in compliance with DHS and MnDOT regulations.
Call or Request a Ride:
📞 (507) 322-0701
🌐 www.SunsetMobilityInc.com
📧 dispatch@sunsetmobilitysolutions.com
Sunset Mobility accepts MA (when authorized), MinnesotaCare, county waivers, and private-pay clients. Same-day urgent trips may be available based on scheduling.
4. Step‑by‑Step Scheduling Workflow
- Call your coordinator or provider at least 3 business days in advance (Minnesota requirement for routine appointments).
- Provide all ride details, including pickup/drop-off addresses, special needs, and clinic information.
- Receive a confirmation with your ride time and driver contact information.
- Get reminder notifications 24 hours and again 1 hour before your pickup.
- Be ready 15 minutes early. Reliable providers guarantee timely pickups—even in challenging weather.
- Need a return ride? Schedule in advance or arrange will-call service post-appointment.
5. Essential Forms and Documentation
- PCS Form (Physician Certification Statement) — required for wheelchair or stretcher transport
- Standing Order Form — for recurring appointments like dialysis (can be scheduled up to 6 months for dialysis, 3 months for other treatments)
- Waiver Service Agreements — if required by your county or case worker
Professional NEMT providers coordinate necessary paperwork and work directly with clinics, DHS, and brokers to streamline the process.
6. Why Choose Certified Local Providers
- Winter-Ready, ADA-Compliant Vehicles: Quality providers maintain snow tires, heated vehicles, and real-time GPS to serve you safely during Minnesota winters.
- Local Knowledge and Experience: Established local providers understand Minnesota roads, medical facilities, and seasonal challenges better than distant call centers.
- Multilingual & Culturally Competent Services: Many providers offer diverse language support including Somali, Hmong, Spanish, and ASL interpretation with trained, compassionate staff.
7. Service Areas
Sunset Mobility Inc. serves southeastern Minnesota, including:
- Olmsted County (Rochester/Mayo Clinic area)
- Winona County
- Dodge County
- Goodhue County
- Wabasha County
- And surrounding areas—call to confirm your ZIP code.
They also coordinate intercity transport to and from places including the Twin Cities, Duluth, or other in-state destinations when authorized.
8. Important Scheduling Requirements
- Advance Notice: Minnesota requires minimum 3 business days’ notice for routine appointments (business days exclude weekends and holidays).
- Urgent Rides: Same-day urgent transportation may be available with medical verification, typically within 3 hours of request.
- Cancellation Policy: Provide at least 24 hours’ notice when possible. Late cancellations may affect future service eligibility.
Conclusion: Safe, Local, Reliable Transportation Partners
When your health depends on getting to an appointment on time—rain, shine, or snow—choose certified, experienced NEMT providers who understand Minnesota’s unique transportation challenges. Whether coordinated through MTM-MNET or scheduled directly with local providers like Sunset Mobility Inc., professional transportation services are more than a ride; they’re your partner in wellness, independence, and peace of mind.
Let qualified providers handle the transportation details while you focus on healing and recovering.
Contact Information for NEMT Services:
MTM-MNET (Twin Cities Metro): (866) 467-1724
MTM Northern Minnesota: (844) 399-9466
Sunset Mobility Inc. (Southeastern MN): (507) 322-0701
🌐 www.SunsetMobilityInc.com
📧 dispatch@sunsetmobilitysolutions.com
📍 Service Area: Southeastern Minnesota counties
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Schedule NEMT Rides in Minnesota
1. What should I do if my NEMT ride request gets denied?
You’ll receive a denial letter explaining the reason. These can be appealed with MTM by calling during your initial request to speak with a supervisor, or file a formal appeal within 10 business days following the process in your denial letter. Common denial reasons include having other transportation available or insufficient advance notice.
2. Can I get reimbursed for driving myself to medical appointments?
Yes, if there are no other transportation options, you may receive personal mileage reimbursement up to 100% of the IRS rate (approximately $0.70 per mile in 2025). Submit trip logs and receipts to your county coordinator. Medical Assistance eligibility requirements must be met.
3. What qualifies as an “urgent” NEMT ride versus a regular appointment?
Urgent rides are for illness or injury requiring immediate treatment to prevent serious health decline, or follow-up appointments within three days of a previous visit for the same issue. Urgent rides can be scheduled same-day with medical verification and are coordinated within three hours. Emergency situations require 911, not NEMT.
4. Are there different transportation options based on my mobility needs?
Yes, options include: mileage reimbursement, volunteer transportation (Wright County only), fixed route bus tickets, unassisted transport (curb-to-curb), and assisted transport (door-to-door with driver help). MTM determines appropriate transportation mode based on health assessments and may consult your healthcare provider.
5. How do I file a complaint about poor NEMT service?
Call MTM’s We Care line at 866-436-0457 (7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday) or file online. Document specific details including dates, times, driver information, and incident descriptions. For safety concerns, also contact your county human services department and Minnesota Department of Transportation.
6. What happens if my ride is late or doesn’t show up?
If your ride is more than 15 minutes late, call MTM’s Where’s My Ride line at 888-863-9514. They’ll contact the driver for updated arrival information. Document repeated issues and file complaints for chronic lateness. For urgent medical situations, seek alternative transportation and request reimbursement later.
7. Do I need special documentation for wheelchair or stretcher transportation?
Yes, your medical provider must complete a Physician Certification Statement (PCS) form certifying your need for specialized equipment. This determines the level-of-service certification and ensures proper vehicle assignment with wheelchair lifts, securement systems, or stretcher capabilities. Periodic renewal may be required.
8. Can I use NEMT for appointments outside of Minnesota?
Limited coverage is available for out-of-state medical appointments when no appropriate in-state provider exists. Prior authorization is typically required. MinnesotaCare members have different coverage rules than Medical Assistance recipients. Contact your coordinator to verify eligibility before scheduling.
9. What’s the difference between volunteer driver programs and regular NEMT services?
Volunteer drivers use their personal vehicles and receive mileage reimbursement rather than wages. Availability in Wright County is only through MTM’s program. Volunteers complete background checks and training but may have less frequent availability than commercial NEMT providers.
10. How far in advance can I schedule recurring appointments like dialysis or chemotherapy?
Dialysis appointments can be scheduled up to 6 months in advance. All other recurring appointments (chemotherapy, physical therapy, etc.) can be scheduled up to 3 months ahead. Standing orders eliminate individual appointment calls, but confirm rides 24-48 hours in advance and notify coordinators of any changes.