Free transportation programs for seniors.
For many older adults, the hardest part of getting care or staying connected is simply finding a ride. There are several national benefits and nonprofits that provide free transportation to seniors depending on their eligibility. Below is information on various ride programs focused on helping older adults in all states , with direct, official links so readers you apply without wading through directories. The transportation services from non-profits, government programs or charities will help ensure that a senior has ability to get to a doctor appointment, the grocery store, a pharmacy or other places, such as a local shopping trip. There are both private and public / government transportation services that can give a ride. The programs are run by Area on Aging offices, Senior Centers, church volunteers, Medicaid benefit programs and other groups.
Government programs that provide free rides to older adults
Medicaid’s Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT ) is the most common way low-income seniors get free rides to covered medical appointments. (Note Medicaid can be called different names in different states). If you have full Medicaid (or certain waiver coverage), states (which partner with the federal government on Medicaid) must ensure access to medically necessary care, often through NEMT brokers that schedule rides, vans, wheelchair transport, or rideshare for senior citizens when appropriate with the CMS explainer to free transportation here . In some instances, states may narrow or waive parts of NEMT for specific groups, but medically frail populations including the elderly are typically exempt. This means even if you have a low-income, are on Medicaid but just can't drive as a senior, your state still must provide transportation. We also have more details on non emergency medical transportation . Original Medicare doesn’t pay for routine transportation for seniors, but it will cover medically necessary ambulance transport in limited situations . The government will only pay for transportation when another mode would endanger your health. Details are at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/ambulance-services . On the other hand, Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans can include supplemental coverage for senior citizens, but this is an additional benefit that often needs to be paid for. When available, it can pay for rides like transportation to medical visits such as the doctor or pharmacy, however availability varies by plan and market. If you qualify for the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE ), then that can provide seniors a free ride. PACE is generally for older adults age 55+ needing a nursing-home level of care but able to live safely at home. This benefit will pay for transportation to the PACE center and to medical appointments in your care plan is included. Start at Medicare’s PACE page for more local details. Veterans , whether a senior or not, have a separate, valuable option when it comes to getting free transportation. The VA Beneficiary Travel will pay for rides for eligible veterans and certain caregivers. They can get mileage reimbursement or common-carrier reimbursement to approved appointments. File online and check current mileage rates at https://www.va.gov/health-care/file-travel-pay-reimbursement/ .
Senior citizens can get help with transportation from non-profits
Area Agencies on Aging
often take a leading role in coordinating a comprehensive service delivery system for older persons in the town or county where they operate. In addition to offering transportation, the non-profits will try to address a number of other needs, ranging from medical to nutritional needs and more. There are different type of transportation assistance programs offered, including the following. Demand-response rides from Agency on Aging will usually involve sending a van or vehicle after a phone request is made from the senior or their caregiver. So this type of transportation service does not follow a fixed schedule or route. These rides usually need to be scheduled in advance, and this should normally be anywhere from 24 to 48 hours in advance. Escorted/assisted transportation programs are options for older individuals with some form of medical condition or disability. It is for individuals who need more hands on assistance than is offered from other programs. Normally what will happen is the driver will help passengers enter and exit the vehicle. They may also escort them to their residence or final destination. This type of service may be offered with any form of transportation whether demand response or paratransit. Paratransit or fixed route transportation is taking advantage of public transit. This is usually offered for bus, subway, van or rail services along established routes. Some of these organizations provide clients with limited fixed route services on a regular schedule. This can even include trips to the grocery store, post office, or a local senior center. They will also try to accommodate persons with disabilities or a senior in a wheelchair, offering curb-to-curb or door-to-door service. An AAA (Agency on Aging offices ) should be the first place to call for information about any low cost, regional transportation options. Staff and volunteers at the locations will do what they can to assist. Locate an Area Agency on Aging near you .
ITN America
is a national nonprofit transportation network for older adults. Local affiliates charge modest fares, but ride credits, sponsorships, or local grants may reduce or eliminate costs for low-income seniors in some communities. The national office line is (207) 857-9001 or find affiliates that may provide a free ride to seniors at https://www.itnamerica.org/find-your-itn . AmeriCorps Seniors programs sometimes pay for senior transportation through local grantees, especially the Senior Companion Program. While AmeriCorps doesn't dispatch rides nationally, your local RSVP or Senior Companion sponsor may coordinate free rides for eligible seniors with more information on AmeriCorps here https://www.americorps.gov/ . Some agencies will outsource the transportation to local taxicab companies or rideshare companies such as Uber or Lyft . This is a type of demand-response service that is commonly offered in most local communities. In addition, some taxi providers, Uber or Lyft have wheelchair-accessible vehicles and they can be an option available for paratransit users. This growing share of “free” rides are actually arranged for senior citizens behind the scenes by health plans, hospitals, or counties using rideshare integrations. Patients do not book Uber Health or Lyft Healthcare directly; a provider or plan does it for you under your covered benefit. See Uber Health at https://www.uberhealth.com/ and Lyft Healthcare at https://www.lyft.com/healthcare, both of which can provide free or low-cost transportation to older adults - in particular for a medical appointment. Senior centers, which are in most communities, often give free rides to older adults. Most of the programs do have limited restrictions as they are volunteer driven, so the availability may change over time. Any type of transportation provided by a center is usually restricted to picking up and returning seniors from their homes to the senior centers for participation in the activities. Or some locations will give an elderly person a free ride to a doctor or medical appointment. Call a local center for more information on hours, programs terms, and any fees that may be involved. Find a senior citizen center . Free senior transportation vouchers to pay for costs like gasoline are fairly rare, but they may be an option as well. This can be thought of as a form of financial assistance, and it can be provided to qualified individuals so that they can pay for transportation on their own. Some common uses of a voucher can be for bus tokens, paratransit, taxicab, public transit, gasoline or other forms of transportation. Learn more on where to get gas vouchers near you .
Eldercare Locator
will help seniors get help, including with transportation needs. It is a free hotline to call for information and it covers all states, cities, and counties. Call the service at 1-800-677-1116 to get learn about free transportation programs, whether from your state's Medicaid plan, local non-profits or other resources with more details on what Eldercare Locator provides seniors . Senior rides from government social services offices are often available. This can include everything from free rides to low-income elderly people who are on Medicaid insurance to state run programs. As a number of state Human Service agencies provide their own services, and they will go by different names. Find government benefit programs in your community .