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.
Related reading
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.
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. Individuals
who are 60 years of age or older. 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 For more information email the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services Transportation Program Consultant or call 919-855-3400. 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. What are Transportation Services?
Who qualifies for Transportation Services?
How do I access services?
How do I learn more about Transportation Services?
Important Considerations
Information about local transit services can be found at the Department of Transportation website.
Related Content
//www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/aging-and-adult-services/transportation-services