Getting a Medicaid ride to a Denver dental appointment

Who may qualify for a ride

Non-Emergent Medical Transportation is for scheduled, non-emergency health care when a Health First Colorado member does not have transportation to a covered appointment. A qualifying covered dental visit may be eligible, but the transportation broker must confirm the trip.

NEMT is not an ambulance or emergency response. Call 911 for a medical emergency, including dangerous breathing or swallowing problems, rapidly spreading swelling, major trauma, or uncontrolled bleeding.

The Denver-metro broker changed in 2026

Beginning July 1, 2026, Health First Colorado directs members in Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld counties to MediDrive. The official page lists 855-489-4999 for scheduling.

Members outside those counties should use the provider listed on the current state NEMT page. Colorado announced a later statewide rollout, so always check the page before relying on a saved phone number.

Schedule the ride before the appointment

1. 1

   Confirm the dental visit

   Have the provider name, street address, phone number, appointment date, and appointment time.

2. 2

   Call at least two business days ahead

   That is the timing currently requested on the official NEMT page. Ask what to do if the dental need is urgent and less notice is possible.

3. 3

   Provide member and pickup details

   Be ready with the member's name, Health First Colorado ID, date of birth, and pickup address.

4. 4

   Confirm accessibility and support

   Request a wheelchair-accessible vehicle or ask whether a medically necessary caregiver can ride when applicable.

5. 5

   Save the trip confirmation

   Confirm pickup instructions, return-ride process, contact number, and what to do if the driver is late.

Mileage reimbursement and trip changes

The official page says a friend, relative, or caregiver who drives may qualify for mileage reimbursement, but MediDrive prior approval is required. Do not assume a past trip can be reimbursed after the fact.

If the dental office changes the time or location, contact the broker promptly. The destination must match the covered appointment information, and a ride approval does not guarantee that the dental service itself will be covered.