Getting Paid Back for Going to the Doctor: How Mileage Reimbursement Works in Tennessee
If you’ve got TennCare, Medicaid, or Medicare, you might be missing out on a little-known benefit that can put money back in your pocket — and I’m talking real money, not just a couple of dollars here and there.
Here in Tennessee, the state actually helps you get to and from your medical appointments in two different ways. Whether your car’s broke down or you’re driving yourself all over creation for doctor visits, there’s a way to make it easier — or even profitable.
Option 1: Free Medical Rides with State-Funded Vans
If you don’t have a reliable car or just can’t drive, the state’s got you covered. There are medical vans funded through TennCare and Medicare that will pick you up, take you to your appointment, and bring you back home.
All you have to do is call to schedule your ride about a week ahead of time. They’ll even drive you to out-of-town appointments if you’ve got specialists far away. It’s completely free and can make a world of difference for folks who are older, disabled, or just don’t have transportation right now.
Option 2: Drive Yourself and Get Reimbursed for Mileage
If you’ve got your own vehicle and prefer driving yourself, you can actually get reimbursed for your mileage — and the rate is usually around $0.60 per mile.
Here’s what you do:
- Call 4–5 days before your appointment to register the trip.
- Print their mileage form (they’ll tell you how to get it).
- Bring it with you and have the doctor’s office sign it to confirm you showed up.
- Mail it back, and in about 30–45 days, a check will show up in your mailbox.
It’s that simple.
How the Math Works Out
Let’s say your specialist is 70 miles away. That’s 140 miles round trip.
At $0.60 per mile, that’s $84 in reimbursement.
If you only spend about $25 on gas, you’ve made roughly $59 profit — just for going to your own appointment. Not bad for something you already needed to do anyway.
Why It’s Worth Doing
If you live on a fixed income, are retired, or just watching every penny like most folks these days, this program can make a big difference.
It’s especially helpful for people who don’t see as well as they used to, or those who’ve got frequent out-of-town appointments.
This is one of those quiet benefits nobody talks about, but once you know it exists — you’ll wish you’d found it sooner.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t a gimmick. It’s a real, state-funded program that’s been helping Tennesseans for years. Whether you need a ride or want to get paid for driving yourself, it’s worth the phone call to find out how it works in your area.
So, if you’ve got TennCare, Medicaid, or Medicare, go ahead and look up your state’s mileage reimbursement or medical ride service. You never know — you might be sitting on a benefit that could help you more than you think.