Not every Health First Colorado member needs a van. Some have a friend, family member, or volunteer who can drive them to medical appointments — and for those members, Colorado’s NEMT program offers mileage reimbursement instead of a scheduled ride. For members and the people who help them, understanding how that reimbursement works is the difference between getting paid back and leaving money on the table.
This guide explains the mileage reimbursement rate, who qualifies, how to claim it, and what’s available for longer-distance and out-of-state medical travel.
What mileage reimbursement covers
Mileage reimbursement is the mechanism by which Health First Colorado covers the cost of using a personal vehicle to get to medically necessary care. If a friend, family member, or volunteer drives a member to a covered appointment, the program may reimburse the mileage between the member’s home and the doctor’s or facility’s office.
It’s a practical alternative to arranging a scheduled NEMT trip. Instead of dispatching a vehicle, the program reimburses the cost of the personal vehicle already available to the member — which is often faster and more comfortable for the member and less costly for the program.
The 46¢ per mile rate
Personal vehicle mileage is reimbursed at the state-mandated rate of 46 cents per mile. The rate applies to the mileage between the member’s home and the medical provider’s office for covered appointments. It’s a fixed, published figure, which makes the math straightforward: confirmed round-trip mileage multiplied by the rate.
Because the rate is set by the state rather than negotiated, the variables that determine a reimbursement are simply the eligible mileage and proof that the appointment happened. That simplicity is the appeal — but it also means accurate mileage and proper documentation are everything.
Who qualifies and how to claim it
Mileage reimbursement is for members who have someone — a friend, family member, or volunteer — able to drive them to medical appointments, rather than needing a scheduled NEMT vehicle. The member (or the person assisting them) submits the claim after the appointment.
Before reimbursement is issued, you must submit evidence of attendance at the medical appointment along with a signed travel reimbursement verification form. Both pieces matter: the proof of attendance confirms the trip was for covered care, and the verification form documents the travel. Missing either is the most common reason a reimbursement stalls.
Meals, lodging, and out-of-state travel
For longer journeys, the program goes beyond mileage. Members traveling long distances — including in-state and out-of-state trips for medical care — may also be eligible for meals and lodging reimbursement. This matters for members who must travel to specialized care that isn’t available closer to home, where a single appointment can require an overnight stay.
Out-of-state medical travel typically requires authorization, and the same documentation discipline applies: keep proof of the appointment and the required verification paperwork. For a member facing a multi-day trip for treatment, knowing that meals and lodging can be covered removes a real barrier to getting care.
Who administers it and how to get it right
The mileage reimbursement process is administered for members regardless of which county they live in. Members requesting mileage reimbursement or out-of-state transportation coordinate through the program’s designated administrator for these benefits, who handles the verification forms and payment. Keeping that contact and the current forms on hand makes the process smoother.
The practical advice is simple: track your mileage accurately, get the appointment attendance documented, complete the travel reimbursement verification form, and submit promptly. Reimbursement at 46 cents a mile adds up over a course of treatment — and for members relying on a family member’s car to reach care, getting that paperwork right keeps the rides coming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Health First Colorado NEMT mileage reimbursement rate?
Personal vehicle mileage is reimbursed at the state-mandated rate of 46 cents per mile, covering travel between the member’s home and the medical provider’s office for covered appointments.
Who qualifies for NEMT mileage reimbursement in Colorado?
Members who have a friend, family member, or volunteer able to drive them to covered medical appointments can use mileage reimbursement instead of a scheduled NEMT vehicle. The member or their helper submits the claim after the appointment.
What do you need to submit to get mileage reimbursement?
You must submit evidence of attendance at the medical appointment along with a signed travel reimbursement verification form. For long-distance and out-of-state travel, members may also be eligible for meals and lodging reimbursement, typically with authorization.
Related Reading
- Colorado’s NEMT Statewide Broker in 2026: What MediDrive Means for Providers
- NEMT Clean Claims Software for Colorado Providers
- The NEMT 25-Mile Verification Form, Explained (Health First Colorado)
Ready to see it in action?
NEMT Cloud Dispatch brings scheduling, dispatch, routing, billing, and fleet management onto one platform built for NEMT providers. Request a free demo at www.nemtclouddispatch.com or call (623) 226-8966.
