Free transportation for seniors to medical appointments

Free transportation for seniors to medical appointments

Transportation providers help older adults get around safely.

Transportation services are available for essential medical and social service appointments for people age 60 and older who lack access to transportation or cannot use public transportation. This service is provided by community-based organizations funded by the Department for the Aging.

Many senior centers also provide group transportation to and from their locations, shopping trips, and recreational and cultural outings for their members.

Find a transportation provider near you or call Aging Connect at 212-244-6469 for more information.

If you're covered by a Medi-Cal plan, your benefits include free transportation to and from health care appointments. To qualify, you must have no other way to get to the appointment.

This benefit applies to:

  • Medical appointments
  • Dental appointments
  • Mental health appointments
  • Substance use disorder appointments
  • Trips to pick up prescriptions or medical supplies

Transportation by wheelchair van, litter van or ambulance is also covered, if needed.

To arrange a ride, start by contacting your Medi-Cal plan provider (phone numbers are listed below) at least seven days before your appointment. Be sure to have your Medi-Cal insurance card number on hand when you call.

Alameda Alliance for Health: (866) 791-4158

Anthem Medi-Cal: (877) 931-4755

California Health & Wellness: (877) 658-0305

CalViva Health: (855) 253-6864

Central California Alliance for Health: (800) 700-3874, ext. 5625

Contra Costa Health Plan: (855) 222-1218

Health Net Medi-Cal: (855) 253-6863

Health Plan of San Joaquin: (209) 942-6320

Health Plan of San Mateo: (844) 856-4389

Molina Healthcare: (888) 994-4833

Partnership HealthPlan of California: (888) 828-1254

San Francisco Health Plan: (415) 547-7818, ext. 7080

If you have questions related to your plan, please call the Medi-Cal service center at (800) 541-5555.

For more information and a list of transportation providers, visit the Department of Health Care Services website.

UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.

Free transportation for seniors to medical appointments

Billing and Insurance

As a patient of UCSF Medical Center or UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital San Francisco, we submit a claim to your health insurance provider. Find more info here.

What are Transportation Services?

Transportation services provide travel to and/or from community resources providing needed services or carrying out activities of daily living.  There are two categories of transportation services: general and medical.  An agency may provide general or medical or both.

  1. General Transportation: destinations may include, but are not limited to, nutrition sites, senior centers, shopping centers, pharmacies and recreational facilities.
  2. Medical Transportation: destinations may include, but are not limited to, doctor's offices, hospitals, and health clinics.

Who qualifies for Transportation Services?

Individuals who are 60 years of age or older.

How do I access services?

The Division of Aging and Adult Services does not directly provide transportation services.  The Division provides financial support through grant funding for local providers to offer transportation services. Click on the links below to find a local provider.

Transportation Provider Directory

Medical Transportation Provider Directory

How do I learn more about Transportation Services?

For more information email the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services Transportation Program Consultant or  call  919-855-3400. 

Important Considerations

Under the American with Disabilities Act, the personal care attendants may accompany eligible individuals but must have the same origin and destination as the individuals receiving the transportation service.

Transporting an individual to a medical facility via ambulance is only allowable when a person cannot be transported by another type of vehicle due to the individual's medical condition.  Ambulance transportation is also an allowable service under Medicare and Medicaid in accordance with certain criteria.  

This service is also supported by other funding sources. Click the links below to find out more.

For individuals who are on Medicaid or Medicaid eligible then Medicaid will support rides to Medicaid covered services. A rider should contact his/her social worker or call their local Department of Social Services. 
Information about local transit services can be found at the Department of Transportation website.    
 

https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/aging-and-adult-services/transportation-services

How do seniors get around without a car?

County public transportation services for seniors Most counties across the U.S. offer free or low-cost public transportation services designed for seniors who need door-to-door rides. The best way to find these programs is to call your county's Area Agency on Aging. They'll connect you with available local programs.

How do you transport an elderly patient?

Examples of Transportation Services for Elderly People Options for elderly transportation services include but are not limited to: Paratransit (for those who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act) Uber or Lyft. GoGoGrandparent (connects elderly people with rideshare options)

Does NJ Medicaid provide transportation?

NJ FamilyCare and Medicaid Transportation New Jersey provides non-emergency medical transportation services for some NJ FamilyCare and Medicaid recipients. Some examples include vehicle transportation, non-emergency air services, and non-emergency basic life support ground ambulance transportation.

Does Medi cal cover transportation to medical appointments?

Medi-Cal offers transportation to and from appointments for services covered by Medi-Cal. This includes transportation to medical, dental, mental health, or substance use disorder appointments, and to pick up prescriptions and medical supplies. There are two types of transportation for appointments.