If you can’t drive to medical appointments, you have more transportation options than you might realize. Many are free or low-cost, and some are covered by your insurance.

Free Transportation You Can Access Now

• Medicaid transportation – Covers rides to any covered medical service (call 48 hours ahead)

• Medicare Advantage ride benefits – Many plans include monthly ride credits or rideshare partnerships

• Community volunteer drivers – Nonprofits and faith organizations offer free rides

• Hospital shuttle services – Free transportation between medical facilities

• Senior center transportation – Scheduled routes and individual rides for older adults

• Paratransit services – Door-to-door rides for people with disabilities who qualify

How to Get Medicaid Transportation

Call your state’s NEMT (Non-Emergency Medical Transportation) coordinator at least 48 hours before your appointment. They’ll arrange appropriate transportation based on your needs – regular vehicle, wheelchair accessible, or stretcher transport.

This service covers rides to doctor appointments, pharmacy visits, physical therapy, mental health services, and any other Medicaid-covered care. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website has state-specific contact information for NEMT programs.

Community Resources That Help

Faith-based transportation – Churches, synagogues, and mosques often coordinate volunteer drivers regardless of whether you’re a member.

Area Agencies on Aging – Maintain lists of transportation resources for seniors in your community.

Nonprofit organizations – Many communities have organizations providing free or donation-based rides to medical appointments.

Public transit discounts – Reduced fares for seniors and people with disabilities, plus direct routes to major medical centers.

When You Need to Pay

Rideshare medical services – Uber and Lyft offer wheelchair-accessible options and healthcare partnerships in some areas.

Private medical transport – Specialized companies for wheelchair or stretcher transportation that accept some insurance.

Taxi companies – Many offer discounted rates for medical appointments or work with insurance programs.

Quick Planning Tips

• Book early – Most services need 24-48 hours notice • Confirm the day before – Double-check pickup time and location • Have backup options – Keep multiple transportation contacts available • Bring required documents – ID, insurance cards, appointment verification • Plan for delays – Both appointments and transportation can run late

What Your Insurance Might Cover

Check with your insurance about transportation benefits you might not know about:

• Medicare Advantage plans often include ride credits

• Some employer insurance plans cover transportation to network providers

• Emergency medical transport is covered when medically necessary

• Medicaid covers all transportation to covered medical services

The Federal Transit Administration provides information about ADA transportation requirements and paratransit eligibility.

Getting to medical appointments doesn’t have to stop you from getting care. Start with calling your insurance to see what’s covered, then explore community resources in your area. Most communities have multiple options available once you know where to look.