What is Non-Medical Transportation? A Guide for North Dakotans

Staying independent in your own home is a top priority for many North Dakotans. However, when driving is no longer an option, everyday errands like picking up groceries, visiting the bank, or going to the pharmacy can suddenly feel like insurmountable hurdles.

If you or a loved one are facing these challenges, Non-Medical Transportation (NMT) might be the solution you need. Here at ND Home Health, we want to help you understand what this service is, who qualifies for it, and how it can help you maintain your lifestyle safely at home.

What is Non-Medical Transportation?

At its core, Non-Medical Transportation is a service designed to help individuals access essential community resources so they can continue living independently in their homes. While traditional medical transportation gets you to the doctor or hospital, NMT covers the basic necessities of daily life.

Essential community services covered under NMT include trips to the:

• Grocery store
• Pharmacy
• Bank
• Post office
• Laundromat
• Utility companies
• Government offices

Who is Eligible for NMT?

To qualify for NMT, an individual must meet specific criteria outlined by North Dakota state policy. You may be eligible if you:

• Are enrolled in the Medicaid Waiver for Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), Technology Dependent Waiver, SPED, or ExSPED.
• Are unable to provide your own transportation or require assistance with the tasks at your destination.
• Have a documented need to obtain basic community resources.

How the Service Works: Drivers and Escorts

Non-Medical Transportation isn’t just about a ride; it can also include the physical assistance needed to complete your errands. The service is broken down into two main types of support:

Driver with Vehicle

This covers the actual drive time to transport an individual from their home to an essential service and back. This can be authorized for local trips, or “Out of Town” trips if the essential services are not available in your immediate local area. If you require a specialized vehicle (such as a wheelchair-accessible van that you own), the provider can drive your vehicle, and their time is still covered.

Non-Medical Transportation Escort

Sometimes, the ride isn’t the issue, but the errand itself is. An escort can be authorized if you need human assistance to complete an activity at your destination.

Case Example: If you take public transportation to the grocery store but need assistance physically navigating the aisles and shopping for food, an “Escort” can be authorized to help you complete that task. If your provider is both driving and escorting you, the escort time begins the moment you arrive at the store and ends when you get back into the vehicle.

Allowable vs. Unallowable Trips

To keep things straightforward, we have broken down exactly what types of trips are allowed and which ones are not under standard NMT services.

Allowable NMT Destinations

• Pharmacies to pick up prescriptions
• Grocery stores for essential food shopping
• Local banks or utility offices
• The nearest out-of-town service (if the essential service is unavailable locally)

Unallowable NMT Destinations

• Doctor, dentist, or physical therapy appointments (These require Medical Transportation instead)
• Trips to work or school (Unless specifically authorized under Transitional Living)
• Recreational activities, church, or wellness programs (Unless authorized under Companionship/Transitional Living)
• Errands where the individual stays home and the provider goes alone (This must be billed under Homemaker services)

Getting Started

Navigating home health policies can feel complicated, but you do not have to do it alone. If you believe Non-Medical Transportation could help you or your loved one safely access the community, reach out to your case manager or contact us at ND Home Health today to discuss your options!