If you need a non-emergency medical ride in Prince George's County, you generally have five options: free Medicaid NEMT through the county Health Department for eligible enrollees, private-pay NEMT providers you book and pay directly, transportation benefits included in some Medicare Advantage plans, rides arranged by a hospital or care facility (often for discharge or transfers), and senior and volunteer transport for older adults and people with disabilities. The best choice depends on your insurance, your mobility needs, your destination, and how quickly you need the ride. Below is an objective look at what each option is and who it tends to fit best.
Medicaid NEMT through the county program
Maryland funds a Medical Assistance Transportation grant program administered locally by county health departments. In Prince George's County, the Non-Emergency Medical Assistance Transportation (NEMT) Program provides rides to Medicaid-covered medical services for eligible residents who have no other means of getting to appointments. There is no fee for the service, and trips are provided through contracted vendors offering sedan, wheelchair, and ambulance transportation. Riders typically must schedule at least 24 hours in advance and provide a copy of their Medicaid card and a signed form. You can reach the program at 301-856-9555. Best for: people with active Maryland Medicaid traveling to covered medical appointments who need a low-cost, last-resort option.
Private-pay NEMT providers
Private-pay NEMT companies arrange ambulatory, wheelchair, or stretcher transportation that you book and pay for directly (sometimes reimbursable by long-term care insurance or other programs, which you should verify). Because they are not tied to Medicaid eligibility rules or covered-destination limits, private providers can often offer more flexibility on scheduling, destinations, and trip types, including travel across the DMV. Pricing and policies vary by company, so confirm credentials, service area, and a written estimate before booking. Best for: people without Medicaid coverage, those whose trip or destination is not covered by another program, and anyone wanting more scheduling flexibility. Trusted Transit is one such private-pay option serving Prince George's County and the greater DMV; you can call 240-908-4233 with questions or for a quote.
Medicare Advantage transportation benefits
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not generally cover routine non-emergency rides to appointments. However, some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include transportation as a supplemental benefit. These benefits are limited and vary widely: plans often cap the number of one-way trips per year (round trips usually count as two), may limit trip distance, and may restrict destinations to plan-approved medical locations. Several plans changed or reduced transportation allotments for 2026, so check your plan's Evidence of Coverage or call member services to confirm what you have. Best for: Medicare Advantage members whose plan includes a transportation benefit, used within the plan's trip and mileage limits.
Hospital or facility-arranged rides
Hospitals, nursing homes, dialysis centers, and other facilities sometimes arrange transportation directly, especially for discharge home or transfers between facilities. A case manager or social worker is usually the right person to ask. These arrangements may use a contracted vendor and may or may not be covered by your insurance, so ask who pays and what level of service (ambulatory, wheelchair, or stretcher) is being booked. Best for: discharge, inter-facility transfers, and situations where clinical staff are already coordinating your care.
Senior and volunteer transport
Prince George's County offers Senior Transportation Services, a curb-to-curb service for residents age 60 and over and people with disabilities, including medical transportation within the county (with dialysis a noted priority). Routine medical trips can be scheduled by phone, generally with advance notice, and riders should indicate if they need a wheelchair lift or escort. Local senior centers, faith communities, and nonprofits may also offer volunteer driver programs. Best for: older adults and residents with disabilities making in-county trips who can plan ahead. Availability and rules vary, so confirm eligibility and lead time when you call.
How to decide
Start with what you are covered for. If you have Medicaid, check the county NEMT program first because it is free for eligible covered trips. If you have Medicare Advantage, confirm whether your plan includes rides and what the limits are. If you are being discharged or transferred, ask facility staff to coordinate. For trips outside these programs, or when you need flexibility on timing and destination, a private-pay provider may be the most practical choice. When comparing private options, verify licensing, insurance, vehicle type, service area, and pricing up front.