Utah Medicaid Will Reimburse Your Gas Money to Therapy — Here's How | The Salt Lake City Therapist
By Helen De-Lovely, LCSW — The Healing Haven SLC
I wanted to pass along some good news about getting to your sessions with me — if you're on Traditional Medicaid, you may be able to get reimbursed for the gas money you spend driving yourself here.
Key Takeaways
Traditional Utah Medicaid members may qualify for mileage reimbursement when driving themselves to appointments, if there isn't a cheaper way to get there (like public transit that fits their needs).
The rate is 18 cents per mile, up to $300 a month, through Medicaid's transportation benefit (NEMT — Non-Emergency Medical Transportation).
Set this up before your next visit, not after — authorization has to come first.
Call your DWS (Department of Workforce Services) eligibility worker, or the general Medicaid transportation line at 1-844-238-3091.
Once approved, keep a simple log: trip dates, miles driven, and the reason for the appointment.
This is general information about a public benefit, not a guarantee of eligibility — DWS makes that determination.
In This Article
Why I'm sharing this
How Medicaid mileage reimbursement works
How to set it up before your next visit
What to keep track of
Frequently asked questions
Why I'm Sharing This
So much of what makes it hard to stay consistent in therapy isn't the therapy itself — it's the logistics around it. Gas money adds up, especially if you're driving into downtown Salt Lake City every week. If Medicaid has a benefit that can help with that, I want every client who qualifies to actually know it exists.
How Medicaid Mileage Reimbursement Works
Here's how it works: Medicaid's transportation benefit (called NEMT) allows for personal mileage reimbursement at 18 cents per mile, up to $300 a month, when you have a safe, reliable vehicle but need help covering the cost of getting to appointments.
This applies when there isn't a cheaper way to get to your appointment — for example, if public transportation isn't available or doesn't meet your needs. DWS is the one who confirms that for your specific situation, not your provider.
How to Set It Up Before Your Next Visit
The most important thing to know is that you'll need to get this set up before your next visit, not after. Here's the quickest path:
Call your DWS eligibility worker to ask about mileage reimbursement authorization — they're available Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm.
If you're not sure who your eligibility worker is, you can also call the general Medicaid transportation line at 1-844-238-3091 for guidance.
Once approved, just keep a simple log of your trip dates, miles driven, and the appointment reason — that's what you'll need for reimbursement.
I'd recommend reaching out to DWS directly since they'll have the exact details for your specific plan. If you run into any snags or have questions along the way, feel free to reach back out to us here at the office.
What to Keep Track Of
Once you're approved, the record-keeping is simple — DWS just needs:
The date of each trip
The number of miles driven (round trip)
The reason for the appointment
Keeping this in a notebook or a notes app as you go is easier than trying to reconstruct it later.
Not a Current Client Yet?
If you're navigating a hard season and cost or logistics have been part of what's held you back, that's exactly the kind of thing worth talking through in a free 15-minute consult — no commitment required.
The Healing Haven SLC is located at 250 E 200 S, Suite 1521, Salt Lake City, UT 84111. Reach me at (385) 443-4045 or [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Medicaid mileage reimbursement?
Traditional Utah Medicaid members who have a safe, reliable vehicle but need help covering travel costs to appointments, when there isn't a cheaper transportation option available. DWS confirms eligibility for your specific situation.
How much does it pay?
18 cents per mile, up to $300 a month.
Do I need approval before I drive, or can I request reimbursement after the fact?
Set it up beforehand. Authorization needs to happen before your visit, not after.
Who do I contact to set this up?
Your DWS eligibility worker, or the general Medicaid transportation line at 1-844-238-3091 if you're not sure who your worker is.
What records do I need to keep?
A simple log of trip dates, miles driven, and the reason for each appointment.
Does The Healing Haven handle this for me?
No — this is a Utah Medicaid/DWS benefit, independent of the practice. DWS determines eligibility and processes reimbursement. If you run into questions along the way, our office is happy to help point you in the right direction.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not medical, legal, or financial advice. It does not guarantee eligibility for any Medicaid benefit — eligibility and reimbursement are determined by the Utah Department of Workforce Services (DWS). Please contact DWS directly to confirm details for your specific plan. If you are in crisis, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Sources
Utah Department of Health and Human Services. "Transportation resources."mihp.utah.gov
Utah Medicaid Provider Manual. "Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Services."medicaid-manuals.dhhs.utah.gov
Utah Department of Health and Human Services. "How do I get to my medical appointments?" (NEMT brochure).medicaid-documents.dhhs.utah.gov
