Transportation for Refugee Health Assessments

MTM offers transportation to: 

• Routine medical appointments such as the Refugee Health Assessment or primary care clinic visits. Routine rides must be scheduled at least three business days before the appointment.
• Urgent medical appointments such as those in which clients cannot wait three business days before seeing a provider. Urgent rides do not need to be scheduled at least three business days before the appointment.

• Contact MTM for a list of counties in their service area.
• MTM provides rides for clients up to 30-miles from their home for primary care visits and 60-miles from their home for specialty care visits. If care is required outside of this mile radius a Medically Necessary Distance Form should be completed (available at Minnesota Transportation Programs).

• Clients should be prepared for their transportation 1 hour before their scheduled appointment. Providers may call 24 hours before pickup to re-verify the trip.
• Transportation appointments should be communicated clearly with resettlement case managers and with clients to minimize missed appointments. Ongoing orientation and education about transportation options and scheduling should be offered to newcomers.
  • Clinics and resettlement agency case managers should notify clients of the vendor, pick up time and location (including where they should wait and when to be ready), and a phone number to call if the taxi does not come on time. Clients should also be reminded to bring their IOM bag and eat before appointments.

Local public health, refugee screening clinics, resettlement agency staff, and newcomers can schedule clinic appointment rides using the online chat feature at Minnesota Transportation Programs or by calling 866-467-1724.

• Routine rides can be scheduled Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Urgent rides can be scheduled 24 hours per day 7 days per week
• Scheduling rides for clients with pending MA requires a modified process. Contact MRHP at refugeehealth@state.mn.us or 651-201-5414 for guidance.

When scheduling, have the following information ready:

• Client’s name, address, and date of birth
  • Note: resettlement agency case managers are responsible for providing updates to MTM and clinics regarding changes in client address and phone number
• Medical Assistance ID Number (PMI#), an eight-digit number that begins with 0
• The name, phone number, and address of the healthcare provider
• Appointment date, start time, and end time, if available
• Any special ride needs, including information on a person riding with client (e.g., parent of a child)
• General reason for the appointment (e.g., check-up, eye doctor appointment, etc.)

Resettlement agency case managers may be contacted to assist with transportation or arranging transportation. Case managers may transport urgent medical cases to their primary care visits if there is insufficient time to arranger other means of transportation.

Family, friends, or sponsors may be available to help with transportation to clinic appointments or the pharmacy. 

Community organizations may be available to help with transportation. Availability varies based on location.

Volunteers associated with a resettlement agency may be an available resource.

In counties without MTM service, local public health departments may know of other transportation programs for people with MA.  

To learn more about MTM eligibility, covered services, scheduling, and FAQs, visit Minnesota Transportation Programs.

• MTM Minnesota Non-Emergency Medical Transportation brochure (English) (PDF)
• MTM Minnesota Non-Emergency Medical Transportation brochure (Hmong) (PDF)
• MTM Minnesota Non-Emergency Medical Transportation brochure (Karen) (PDF)
• MTM Minnesota Non-Emergency Medical Transportation brochure (Somali) (PDF)
• MTM Minnesota Non-Emergency Medical Transportation brochure (Spanish) (PDF)