For many Texas families, the hardest part of getting care isn't the appointment — it's getting there. If you don't have a car, can't drive, or live far from the nearest clinic, there are programs that can help you get a free or low-cost ride.
Texas Health Help is a community nonprofit. We don't operate vehicles, but we share clear information and help families across rural and underserved Texas connect to the right transportation resources — for free.
What Transportation Help Is Available?
Depending on your situation, you may be able to use:
- Medicaid Medical Transportation Program (MTP) — free rides for covered visits
- 2-1-1 Texas — a free helpline that connects you to local rides
- Senior and disability transit programs in your county
- Volunteer driver and rural transit services
- Clinic transportation vouchers or rideshare partnerships
Who May Qualify?
You may qualify for transportation help if you are:
- A Medicaid member needing a ride to a covered appointment
- A senior or person with a disability
- A parent taking a child to medical or dental care
- Living in a rural area with limited transit
- Without a working vehicle or unable to drive
Not sure if you qualify? Reach out — we'll help you check your options for free.
How to Arrange a Ride
- 1
Confirm your appointment first
Have the date, time, and the clinic's full address ready before you call.
- 2
Check if you have Medicaid
If you do, call the Medical Transportation Program at 1-877-633-8747 to book a free non-emergency ride.
- 3
Call 2-1-1 if you don't have Medicaid
Dial 2-1-1 to find local transit, volunteer drivers, and senior ride programs in your county.
- 4
Schedule early
Most ride programs ask for at least two business days' notice, so book as soon as your appointment is set.
- 5
Ask for help if you're stuck
Our community navigators can help you find a program and set up your ride — free and confidential.
Rides in San Jacinto & Brazoria Counties
Live in one of the counties we serve directly? Here's what's available near you.
San Jacinto County
- Brazos Transit District (The District) provides demand-response rides across San Jacinto County — call ahead to schedule.
- Free non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for Texas Medicaid members — we help you book it.
- Volunteer driver network for seniors and disabled residents to reach medical appointments.
- Our navigators arrange rides to clinics, dialysis, and specialists at no cost to you.
Brazoria County
- Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) — free rides if you're on Medicaid, we help you book it.
- H-GAC Area Agency on Aging Senior Rides for Brazoria County seniors — (713) 627-3200.
- Volunteer driver program for anyone needing a ride to a medical appointment — not just Medicaid members.
- Gulf Coast Center transport for behavioral health appointments.
- Our navigators arrange rides to clinics, dialysis, and specialists at no cost to you.
Need help booking a ride? Call 346-699-7222 or ask Jessica, our 24/7 AI assistant.
What to Have Ready
To book a ride quickly, it helps to have:
- Your Medicaid ID number (if you have one)
- Appointment date and time
- The clinic or provider's full address
- A phone number where you can be reached
- Any mobility needs (wheelchair, assistance)
- Pickup address and any second passenger info
Helpful Texas Resources
Medical Transportation Program
Free non-emergency medical rides for eligible Medicaid members. Call 1-877-633-8747.
2-1-1 Texas
Free statewide helpline. Dial 2-1-1 to find local transportation and community services.
Texas Transit Directory
Find public and rural transit providers serving your county across Texas.
Related Texas Health Help Guides
Need a ride to a pregnancy-related appointment? See our Pregnancy Medicaid in Texas guide to learn about coverage, income limits, and how to apply — then come back here to book your free ride.
Need a ride to your appointment?
Call 346-699-7222 or ask Jessica, our 24/7 AI chatbot, to help book a ride. Our navigators arrange rides to clinics, dialysis, and specialists — at no cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a free ride to my doctor in Texas?+
Yes. If you have Medicaid, you may qualify for the Medical Transportation Program (MTP), which provides free rides to covered, non-emergency medical appointments. Other community and senior programs also offer rides depending on where you live.
What is the Medical Transportation Program (MTP)?+
MTP is a Texas Health and Human Services benefit that gives eligible Medicaid members free non-emergency rides to the doctor, dentist, pharmacy, and other covered medical visits. It can include car rides, public transit passes, mileage reimbursement, and sometimes meals or lodging for long trips.
How do I schedule a Medicaid ride?+
Call the MTP line at 1-877-633-8747 (1-877-MED-TRIP) at least two business days before your appointment. Have your Medicaid ID, appointment date and time, and the clinic's address ready.
What if I don't have Medicaid?+
You may still have options. Dial 2-1-1 to find local rides, ask your clinic about transportation vouchers, or check senior and rural transit programs. Our navigators can help you find the right one for free.
Is there transportation help in rural Texas?+
Yes. Many rural counties have public or volunteer transit services, and some clinics partner with rideshare programs. Availability varies by county, so calling 2-1-1 or asking us is the fastest way to find what's near you.
Does Texas Health Help provide the rides?+
No. We are a community nonprofit that helps you find and connect to the right transportation programs. We do not operate vehicles or approve benefits, but we will help you navigate your options for free.
What is MTP in Texas?+
MTP stands for the Medical Transportation Program, the official name for Texas Medicaid's free non-emergency ride benefit. It covers rides to doctor visits, dental appointments, pharmacies (with a covered prescription visit), and other Medicaid-covered care for eligible members.
How many days in advance do I need to book a Medicaid ride?+
Call the Medical Transportation Program at 1-877-633-8747 at least two business days before your appointment. Booking earlier gives you a better chance of getting your preferred pickup time, especially for longer trips.
What if my Medicaid ride doesn't show up?+
Call the Medical Transportation Program line right away to report it and ask about rebooking or reimbursement. If this keeps happening, you can also file a complaint through the HHS Office of the Ombudsman or call Texas Health Help for help sorting it out.
Can a family member or friend drive me and get paid mileage?+
Yes. MTP offers mileage reimbursement if a friend or family member drives you to a covered appointment instead of using a scheduled ride. Ask about this option when you call 1-877-633-8747 to book.
Does Medicaid pay for a ride to the pharmacy?+
Yes, if the pharmacy visit is connected to a covered medical appointment — for example, picking up a prescription right after a doctor's visit. Mention this when booking your ride so it's scheduled correctly.
Disclaimer: Texas Health Help (Community Health Access Hub Texas) is a community nonprofit, not a government agency or transportation provider. We do not approve benefits or operate vehicles. Program eligibility and availability are determined by the State of Texas and local providers. This page is general educational information.
Looking for more help? Browse all Texas Health Help resources.