U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Rural Transportation Funding

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) administers a wide range of agencies and programs addressing health, aging, and environmental health. Since transportation is a social determinant of health, HHS agencies have become involved in rural transportation programs and research.

Administration for Children and Families

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) provides funding, training, and technical assistance to state, local, and tribal governments, as well as human services providers, whose goal is to support the economic and social health of children and their families.

Head Start is a federal program administered by ACF that provides early childhood education and other social services to low-income families with young children and families of children with disabilities. For some rural communities, Head Start may be the primary option for preschool-aged children and their families to receive services like early childhood education and health screenings that support healthy development and prepare them for kindergarten. Agencies receiving funding for Head Start programs are not required to provide transportation services. However, individual programs can choose to provide transportation services if there is a significant need for it in the community. Additionally, programs may coordinate with other community organizations to ensure eligible children are able to attend school. ACF provides information and resources on transportation regulations, requirements, services, and coordination options.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides health insurance for over 100 million Americans through Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program, and the Health Insurance Marketplace. It also manages a range of programs designed to improve healthcare quality and reduce costs.

Medicaid is the federal health insurance program, for adults and children with limited income, administered by CMS. More people in rural areas than in non-rural areas are covered by Medicaid — 47% of children and 18% of adults in rural areas are covered by Medicaid, compared to 40% of children and 15% of adults in urban areas. Under federal law, Medicaid covers basic medical services, including transportation to medical care. States can decide whether to cover optional benefits, including non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). NEMT ensures that eligible individuals will have transportation to medically-necessary appointments. Some states have limits on NEMT services, such as the number of trips or distance, or require copayments for transportation services.