RideConnect: Transportation Services
South Country Health Alliance members may be eligible for non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services to help them get to and from their health care appointments.
RideConnect offers safe and reliable rides to covered medical, behavioral health, and dental appointments.
NEMT Access Transportation Services (ATS)
ATS is also known as common carrier transportation. It includes buses, volunteer drivers, and other commercial carriers. Beginning September 1, 2016, eligible members can use this service without authorization from South Country or the county.
NEMT Special Transportation Services (STS)
STS is for people who, because of physical or mental impairment, cannot safely use common carrier transportation. STS provides door-through-door service for those who need it.
Members must be certified to use STS before South Country will cover the cost. South Country will help members complete a Level of Need assessment to determine if they are eligible.
South Country members enrolled in the following programs may be eligible to get a ride if they do not have access to their own transportation:
*STS is covered by the plan for members in the MinnesotaCare child benefit set. ATS is not covered, but may be available through another source. Call MinnesotaCare for more information.
Mileage reimbursement is not covered by South Country for members with their own vehicle. However, this may be available through another source. Call your county for more information.
Members may be able to schedule their own rides directly with a RideConnect provider in our network. Members can also call
Member Services for help setting up a ride.
Find a RideConnect provider in your area in the RideConnect Transportation Provider Directory, located on the Provider Directory page, or by calling Member Services.
Scheduling a Ride
To schedule a ride, call the RideConnect provider or Member Services at least 72 hours (3 days) before your appointment. We may not be able to schedule a ride with less than 72-hour notice, and you may need to reschedule your appointment.
You will need the following information when scheduling your ride:
- South Country member ID number
- Your phone number and pick-up address
- Appointment date, start and finish time
- Name, address, and phone number of the drop-off location
Canceling or Changing a Ride
If your schedule changes or you no longer need a ride, call the RideConnect provider or Member Services 24 hours (1 day) or as soon as possible before your scheduled pick-up time to change or cancel your ride. If a driver shows up at the scheduled pick-up location and you are not there, it will be listed as a “no-show.” Members who have frequent “no-shows” may have difficulty getting rides in the future.
Covered Visits
You can get rides to medical, dental, mental health, chemical dependency, pharmacy, and durable medical equipment visits.
Rides Not Covered
Transportation may not be covered if it is to a place or for a service that South Country does not cover, or if the member’s coverage with South Country is not active on the date of the ride.
Urgent Care or Same Day Clinic
Rides to urgent care or same day care are based on provider availability.
Emergencies
Call 911. South Country covers emergency ambulance services.
After Hours and Weekends
The Ask Mayo Clinic Nurse Advice Line is available after 8 p.m. and weekends to assist with arranging a ride. Their toll-free number is on the back of your member ID card.
H2419, H5703_3010, Approved
