December 10th 2024
By Ari Parker
Medicare generally only covers emergency ambulance rides, but some Medicare Advantage plans and community services offer additional transportation options. Click to learn more about your options.
Getting to medical appointments and staying active in the community can become challenging for many people as we age. Whether you no longer have a car, have vision impairments, or have other health considerations that can prevent you from getting around town, finding reliable transportation is a common concern.
Fortunately, there are transportation options to consider. These include rides from family and friends, rideshare services, public transit, and specialized, paratransit services. Many senior living communities also provide their own van or bus services to help residents get to medical appointments, senior centers, shopping destinations, and social activities.
Cost is often a key consideration when choosing transportation. Rideshare apps are convenient, but the costs can add up! Many people wonder whether Medicare offers coverage for transportation services. Let's explore the available options and what Medicare might cover.
Original Medicare covers ambulance services if two requirements are met:
The ambulance ride is medically necessary due to an emergency
The ambulance ride is the only safe way to get to a medical facility
For non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), the ambulance must be deemed medically necessary by a doctor. You also may need to get prior authorization to receive coverage.
Medicare only covers ambulance transportation. Medicare doesn’t cover rides to doctor appointments.
Non-medical transportation falls outside the scope of Medicare coverage. If you want a ride to get to the mall or grocery store, attend religious services, play bingo at a senior center, or visit family members and friends, your Medicare insurance won’t pay for the transportation.
Medicare Advantage plans (also called Part C plans) have varying transportation coverage. Some may cover car or wheelchair van transportation. While some plans offer broader coverage for non-emergency medical transportation, others may have limited coverage or no coverage at all for transportation.
Some Medicare Advantage plans have flex cards that can be used for various expenses. Some plans may allow you to use your Medicare plan flex card to pay for transit via Lyft or Uber. This is not common though, so always check that your flex card can be used before booking a ride.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) do not directly cover transportation costs. However, some states offer programs that can help individuals who receive SSI or SSDI benefits with transportation costs.
Almost every state has free non-emergency transportation coverage written into their Medicaid programs. The criteria, copays, and limits vary by state. Some states work with volunteer organizations or have their own transportation options available. For information on the state-run transportation programs, contact your local Medicaid office or a local council on aging.
Seniors on Medicare have a few free options for non-emergency transportation. Some options listed below have special rates for older adults. Each medical transportation option has pros and cons.
Public transportation
Paratransit services
Private ride services
Ride-hailing services
Taxis
Volunteer programs
Non-emergency medical transportation
Senior community transportation
Public transportation, including buses and rail, operates on designated fixed routes at scheduled times. Buses have wheelchair lifts to accommodate people with disabilities. The cost is relatively cheap, with some municipal transit systems offering discounted rates for seniors. Public transportation comes with some disadvantages. First, bus or rail stops might require long walks to and from your home and other destinations. These walks can be unsafe for people with mobility issues or for those who live in unsafe neighborhoods. Second, the bus and rail schedules aren’t always convenient since they are not catered to your needs.
Many areas offer paratransit services that will pick you up in wheelchair-accessible vans or buses and take you to doctor’s appointments, shopping destinations, and other locations. If you have a disability that prevents you from using regular buses you may qualify for this service under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This curb-to-curb service must be scheduled in advance and operates along existing public transit routes.
Private ride services, such as SilverRide and Gogograndparent, offer what is known as door-through-door service, which means the driver will pick you up from your home. Upon return to your home, they’ll help you through the door to settle into your home. You can also get help with bags and packages and loading your wheelchair into the vehicle. Some services are equipped to help passengers with serious medical conditions. Rides might cost between $20 and $40 but can be scheduled on demand.
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft use drivers’ private cars to take you where you want to go for any purpose. Some vehicles are accessible for those with disabilities. You must order the ride on a smartphone. The ride can be costly, but both companies offer occasional discounts for seniors.
Taxis are available to anyone but are costly and may not be handicapped accessible. They take you wherever you need to go, any time of day or night. Taxicabs are in short supply in some locations.
Some organizations offer rides for seniors at no charge, but vehicles may not be handicap accessible.
In some cases, Medicare may cover non-emergency medical transportation, but prior authorization is generally required for coverage. Many Medicaid recipients are able to get non-emergency medical transportation paid for.
Many senior living facilities have vans available to take residents to doctor appointments, shopping destinations, and other locations.
Seniors have resources available to access free or subsidized transportation. Some services require you to have Medicare or Medicaid, and some only cover transportation for medical purposes.
Contact your Medicare Advantage plan: If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you may have transportation coverage you are unaware of. Contact your plan directly to inquire about any transportation benefits you’re entitled to.
Check with your state Medicaid program: Some state Medicaid programs cover non-emergency medical transportation. Your state Medicaid office can tell you more about eligibility and coverage.
Contact your Area Agency on Aging: Area Agencies on Aging can provide information and referrals to local transportation resources, including volunteer programs and public transportation options. They should have a good handle on a wide range of free and low-cost options in your area.
Look for community-based organizations: Many communities have volunteer organizations that offer transportation services to seniors. Contact your local senior center or community center to learn more.
Search online for options: Search for a phrase like “free transportation for seniors.” You might be surprised to find resources you never heard of that can help you get where you need to go.
Getting around can become more challenging as we age, but it is also important for maintaining our physical and mental health. Use these services outlined above to maintain your mobility around town and get in touch with a Chapter Medicare Advisor to understand all of your Medicare benefits. Get in touch with an agent at 855-900-2427 or schedule a time to chat.
