.png?width=2931&height=601&name=Purple%20and%20Green%20Paper%20Music%20Event%20Banner%20(7).png "Purple and Green Paper Music Event Banner (7)")
Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) is crucial for individuals in Summit County who need reliable rides to routine medical appointments, like dialysis or physical therapy, without relying on emergency services. Four main providers - Empowered Transit LLC, Your Guardian Angels Transportation, ReliaRide Medical Transportation, and ReliaWheels - offer specialized services tailored to various mobility and medical needs. Here's what you need to know:
- Empowered Transit LLC: Focuses on Medicaid-eligible patients with wheelchair-accessible vehicles for routine visits.
- Your Guardian Angels Transportation: Provides curb-to-curb service with Medicaid coverage for eligible patients.
- ReliaRide Medical Transportation: A nonprofit offering wheelchair services with quick pickup times and insurance flexibility.
- ReliaWheels: Offers door-to-door service with stretcher transport and trained drivers.
All providers accept Medicaid's Non-Emergency Transportation (NET) program, ensuring free rides for eligible residents. Costs vary for private pay, starting at $15–$50 for ambulatory transport and $200–$300 for stretcher services, plus mileage fees. For Medicaid bookings, call 330-643-8200 at least five days in advance.
Quick Comparison:
| Provider | Service Types | Accessibility Features | Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empowered Transit LLC | Ambulatory, wheelchair, stretcher | Wheelchair-accessible vehicles | Medicaid NET, Medicare Part B |
| Your Guardian Angels | Ambulatory, wheelchair, companion | Wheelchair-accessible vehicles | Medicaid NET, private pay |
| ReliaRide Medical | Ambulatory, wheelchair | Wheelchair-accessible vehicles | Medicaid NET, flexible options |
| ReliaWheels | Ambulatory, wheelchair, stretcher | Door-to-door, wheelchair-accessible, stretcher transport | Medicaid NET, custom options |
Choose the provider that best fits your medical and mobility needs. For a smooth booking process, have your doctor’s details and Social Security number ready.
Summit County Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Providers Comparison
1. Empowered Transit LLC
Service Type and Medical Capability
Empowered Transit LLC specializes in non-emergency transportation services for Medicaid-eligible patients in Summit County. Their primary focus is on routine medical visits, offering reliable transport for those who need regular checkups or treatments rather than urgent medical care.
Accessibility Features
The company provides curb-to-curb service, making it a practical option for individuals with mobility challenges or those living in areas not served by standard bus routes. Their vehicles are wheelchair-accessible, ensuring passengers experience a safe and comfortable journey to and from their appointments.
Cost and Coverage Options
For Medicaid recipients, Empowered Transit LLC offers transportation at no additional cost. This service is designed for patients attending routine medical evaluations or treatments, helping them access care without financial or logistical barriers.
2. Your Guardian Angels Transportation
Service Type and Medical Capability
Your Guardian Angels Transportation specializes in providing dependable rides for routine medical needs like dialysis, outpatient surgeries, and specialist visits. Their commitment to consistent, reliable service ensures patients can focus on their care without worrying about transportation.
Accessibility Features
Their vehicles are equipped with wheelchair access, and they offer a curb-to-curb service. This means drivers assist passengers both at the pickup location and upon arrival at their destination, making the process smooth and stress-free.
Cost and Coverage Options
For those eligible, rides are fully covered under the Medicaid Non-Emergency Transportation (NET) program. The Summit County Department of Job and Family Services handles the authorization, offering either bus passes or direct curb-to-curb service.
3. ReliaRide Medical Transportation
Service Type and Medical Capability
Since 2007, ReliaRide has been a family-run nonprofit serving Northeast Ohio, specializing in medical transportation. They handle rides for dialysis, outpatient surgeries, physical therapy, sleep studies, and hospital discharges. With over 400,000 rides under their belt, ReliaRide is one of Ohio's largest wheelchair ambulette services. They also maintain safety and vehicle standards that go beyond what you'd find with typical ride-share services.
Accessibility Features
ReliaRide's fleet includes wheelchair-accessible vehicles, accommodating a wide range of mobility needs. Their system ensures passengers are picked up within 30 minutes of their appointment time, making it easier for patients to arrive on time for critical medical care.
Cost and Coverage Options
ReliaRide provides budget-friendly transportation by working directly with health insurance providers. Patients can call 330-244-0657 with their insurance information to confirm coverage, as ReliaRide is an approved waiver provider through the Area Agency on Aging. While insurers often assign transportation providers, patients can specifically request ReliaRide for their needs.
Scheduling Flexibility
ReliaRide prides itself on its quick turnaround. They typically return to pick up patients within 20 minutes of their appointment ending - much faster than the industry standard of 1 to 3 hours.
4. ReliaWheels | NEMT for Cleveland Ohio
Service Type and Medical Capability
ReliaWheels provides reliable door-to-door non-emergency medical transportation throughout Summit County. Their services cater to routine medical appointments such as dialysis, physical therapy, outpatient procedures, nursing home visits, and pharmacy trips. They also offer stretcher transport for patients needing extra care during transit. With drivers trained in CPR and conflict resolution, they ensure a safe and professional experience, even in challenging situations. This dedication to patient care reflects Summit County's goal of making healthcare transportation accessible for everyone.
Accessibility Features
The ReliaWheels fleet includes wheelchair-accessible vehicles and stretcher transport equipped with high-quality tools, allowing for seamless door-to-door service - from the patient’s home entrance to their destination. This approach eliminates transportation hurdles, helping patients stay on top of their healthcare needs while supporting their independence.
Cost and Coverage Options
Although ReliaWheels doesn’t list specific pricing publicly, they are part of Summit County's Medicaid-eligible transportation network through the Non-Emergency Transportation (NET) program. This program covers rides for Medicaid-approved appointments for eligible residents. Patients can contact ReliaWheels directly to confirm insurance acceptance and discuss payment arrangements tailored to their needs, offering flexibility for various situations.
Scheduling Flexibility
ReliaWheels accommodates both routine appointments and long-distance trips with advance booking. Their services are designed to provide dependable transportation for medical visits and certain personal trips, ensuring patients can plan their travel with ease.
sbb-itb-a0ce227
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
Comparison of Providers
When it comes to non-emergency medical transportation, each provider offers services tailored to specific mobility and medical needs. Here's a closer look at what they bring to the table:
- Empowered Transit LLC delivers a range of options, including ambulatory, wheelchair, and stretcher-based transport.
- Your Guardian Angels Transportation adds a personal touch with companion services, ensuring extra support during transit.
- ReliaRide Medical Transportation focuses on ambulatory and wheelchair services, offering clear and straightforward pricing.
- ReliaWheels prioritizes safety with extensive driver training - covering CPR certification and conflict resolution skills - and provides door-to-door service, including stretcher transport for clients with more complex mobility requirements.
All four providers participate in Summit County's Medicaid-funded Non-Emergency Transportation (NET) program, which offers free rides for eligible residents. By understanding these differences, you can choose the provider that best fits your personal transportation needs.
For a quick side-by-side comparison, check out the table below:
| Provider | Service Types | Accessibility Features | Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empowered Transit LLC | Ambulatory, wheelchair, stretcher | Wheelchair-accessible vehicles with ramps/lifts | Medicaid NET, Medicare Part B |
| Your Guardian Angels | Ambulatory, wheelchair, companion | Wheelchair-accessible vehicles | Medicaid NET, private pay |
| ReliaRide Medical | Ambulatory, wheelchair | Wheelchair-accessible vehicles | Medicaid NET, flexible payment options |
| ReliaWheels | Ambulatory, wheelchair, stretcher | Door-to-door service, wheelchair-accessible vehicles, stretcher transport | Medicaid NET, various payment options |
Insurance Considerations: Your insurance plan can significantly affect the total cost of transportation. For instance, Medicare Part B may cover part of the expense after your deductible, provided the transport is medically justified. To avoid any scheduling hiccups, make sure to have your doctor’s full address, including ZIP code and suite number, ready when booking. This ensures appointments are verified smoothly, minimizing last-minute issues.
Conclusion
When it comes to transportation options, each provider brings something different to the table, catering to a variety of needs. All providers offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles with ramps or lifts, ensuring accessibility for passengers with mobility challenges. ReliaWheels goes a step further by offering stretcher transport and providing advanced driver training, prioritizing passenger safety.
Insurance coverage differs among providers, but all accept Medicaid NET, and some also take Medicare Part B. To streamline the booking process, have your Social Security number and your doctor’s full address ready. For long-distance or specialized trips, it’s a good idea to contact the provider directly to confirm pricing and availability.
FAQs
What sets non-emergency transportation providers apart in Summit County?
Non-emergency transportation providers in Summit County offer a range of services tailored to different needs. Some focus on Medicaid-eligible options, providing curb-to-curb rides or pre-approved bus passes. Others cater to private transportation needs, featuring wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs) or ambulettes that prioritize both comfort and safety.
Payment and coverage options also vary. Certain providers accept Medicaid or Medicare for partial or full coverage, while others focus on private-pay customers, offering more flexible trip arrangements. The main differences between providers often boil down to accessibility, reliability, and overall cost, so selecting the right one depends on your unique medical and transportation requirements.
Am I eligible for Medicaid's Non-Emergency Transportation program, and how can I check?
To use Medicaid's Non-Emergency Transportation (NET) program, you need to be enrolled in Medicaid and make your transportation request at least five days in advance of your appointment. For questions about eligibility or more information, call 330-643-8200 and choose option 1 for support.
How can I book non-emergency medical transportation smoothly?
To ensure a hassle-free booking experience, plan to schedule your ride at least five days ahead to secure availability. Gather all the essential details before making the call - this includes your personal information, the date and time of your medical appointment, and the destination address. If you’re a Medicaid recipient, double-check your coverage in advance to avoid any surprises. Also, make sure to mention any specific mobility requirements, like wheelchair assistance or extra support, so the service can meet your needs effectively.
