Rides To Doctors For Seniors

Long Distance Moving Options

If you’re moving to another state, then you may need to hire long distance movers. This can be more expensive. If you are planning on putting some of your things in storage, then it might be easier to rent a storage facility in your current location instead of where you’re moving to, in order to limit the amount that needs to be transported.

Certain companies, such as Pods, provide flexible long distance moving options that can be helpful. You rent a portable storage container and have either your family or hired professionals pack it up with whatever you’re transporting. Then, the company will send someone to drive the container to your new location and drop it off a few days later. Your family can then unpack the container at your leisure and, once it’s empty, schedule a day and time for it to be picked up. Depending on your situation, this can be a cheaper and more convenient way of getting your things to where they need to be.

Does Medicare Advantage Provide Free Transportation To Medical Appointments

In recent years, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services gave privately-run Medicare Advantage carriers more flexibility to expand supplemental benefits to include ride-sharing options. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan and are unsure if your plan covers medical rides, contact your carrier.

Several Medicare Advantage plans now offer innovative benefits to Medicare enrollees, including transportation services. Depending on your plan, you may have to use a certain transportation company, or you could be reimbursed for using other travel alternatives.

Questions To Ask When Considering Your Options For Senior Transportation Services

#1: Do They Offer Convenient Pick-Up Times and Locations?

You should not assume a transportation service will be convenient for you or a loved one. Make sure they offer convenient pick-up times and locations.

Additionally, it would be best to clarify where pick-up will occur. For example, a service coming to your door is more convenient than going across town before being picked up.

#2: What Is the Cost?

Since transportation companies set their prices, they have different costs and fees. So make sure youre aware of the prices of services youre considering before securing a ride.

#3: How Long Has the Company Been In Business?

Is it better to work with a long-established transportation company or a relatively new one? Its a personal decision.

Nevertheless, if this is extremely important to you, dont be afraid to ask before scheduling an appointment.

#4: Is the Vehicle Clean and Comfortable?

Cleanliness and comfort are personal preferences however, if you feel it is important to you, make sure to ask.

#5: Do Drivers Undergo Background Checks and Drug Testing?

Although most transportation services conduct background checks on their drivers, drug testing is not as standard.

Please be sure to ask the transportation company you are considering if this is important to you.

#6: What Do Online Reviews Say?

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Will Medicare Pay If I Need A Ride To My Doctors Appointment

Original Medicare helps cover medical rides in certain situations. Medicare Part A pays for emergency trips for inpatient hospital stays. Meanwhile, Medicare Part B pays for outpatient services Medicare deems medically necessary.

The latter, Medicare Part B, ambulance rides to transport you in case of an emergency. An ambulance will transport you to a hospital or skilled nursing facility, whichever is necessary.

Unfortunately, Original Medicare does not cover trips for routine doctor visits or appointments. The only circumstance where Original Medicare might cover your medical transportation to a doctors office is if you do not have a valid drivers license or if its unsafe for you to drive due to a medical condition. In this situation, you are generally responsible for paying 20% for transportation costs and Original Medicare covers the remaining 80%.

If you decide to utilize Medicare coverage for non-emergency doctors appointments, you will be required to provide written proof from your doctor that the transportation is necessary as well as sign an Advanced Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage . This form states that if Medicare does not provide coverage, you will be responsible for covering the costs.

What Medical Transportation Options Exist For Seniors On Medicare

Seniors on Medicare that face mobility issues and live on a limited or fixed income have a number of options at their disposal for being transported to and from important appointments, including doctor visits.

You may wonder, however, whether Medicare actually covers the cost of these transportation options and what alternatives are at seniors disposal in the event a particular service is not paid for under their insurance plan.

Its worth noting that non-emergency transportation is usually not covered by standard Medicare plans, although a number of Medicare Part C plans will.

Emergency transportation in a life-support ambulance is covered across the board on Medicare but this is generally considered to cover life or limb issues or a matter where going to the hospital in a vehicle like a family members car would increase any medical risks the senior is facing. Deductibles may also apply in emergency situations, depending on the seniors exact Medicare plan.

Medicaidcan cover a patients transport expenses in a wider array of circumstances, such as:

• If the person has a low income.
• If they cant drive a car, dont have a drivers license, or face some other impediment to private, self-arranged transportation.
• If they are impacted by a disability.

Our general advice is to urge seniors and their families to double check the benefits provided by their Medicare plans before making a decision about transportation.

What about Uber?

How Rides to Wellness Can Help

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The Independent Transportation Network America

The Independent Transportation Network America is a non-profit organization that provides rides for seniors 60 years of age and older , as well as persons who are visually impaired. Via ITN, which charges an annual membership fee of approximately $50-$60 for a single rider and $60 to $80 for a family, riders are matched with paid and volunteer drivers. Rides are available, with no limitations as to the need for the ride, around the clock in private vehicles. Drivers provide door to door service, assistance with bags, and limited assistance with getting in and out of the vehicle. Riders do not have to worry about making cash transactions, as the cost of rides is automatically deducted from the riders personal transportation account. The cost per ride is approximately half the cost of a taxi, and riders can save money by booking rides in advance, as well as sharing rides. At the time of this writing, ITN has 13 affiliate non-profit organizations providing transportation in 12 states. To find out if there is an ITN affiliate in your area, click here.

Travel Training For Seniors

Public transportation systems and aging organizations have developed travel instruction programs that work with seniors to make them feel more comfortable using public transportation. These free and low-cost programs provide coaches who help older adults practice getting on and off public transit, calculate costs, find discounts and work out appropriate routes and schedules to use. They also can supply an elderly person with a mentor to travel with until they feel secure enough to go it alone.

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Paratransit Services For Seniors

Despite the efforts of public transportation systems to accommodate elderly citizens with disabilities, some systems are outdated and provide a poorer level of service than others or are unable to transport older citizens with greater needs. In these cases, the complementary paratransit system mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act may be a better alternative.

Federal law under the ADA guarantees a basic level of transportation service for many older citizens. The ADA says that a city or town providing public transportation services to the community at large must provide a complementary or paratransit service for persons with disabilities as well. Under the practical definition of disability, many senior citizens find themselves eligible for this service.

Paratransit service provides a more specialized and personalized level of service to people who cannot get around easily using the fixed route public transportation system. Paratransit vehicles are usually vans that are wheelchair and handicapped accessible. ADA complementary paratransit services must be provided within 3/4 of a mile of a bus route or rail station at the same hours and days for no more than twice the regular fixed route fare. Many paratransit systems provide curb-to-curb service to locations within their designated complementary routes. These features help persons who cannot get to public bus stops or train stations.

Senior Services Of America: Promoting Independence And Quality Of Life

We encourage our residents at Senior Services of America communities to maintain as much independence as possible and live meaningful and purposeful lives.

Our goal is to help residents stay engaged in life:

Our positive residential environment inspires and motivates our residents to achieve their full potential.

Would you like to learn more about our services, including transportation? Find your nearest community to get in touch with us today.

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Finding Transportation Services For Seniors

The ability to travel around town, going wherever we want whenever we want, is a freedom that most of us enjoy. We take for granted that we can slip behind the wheel of a vehicle and drive off without giving it much thought. But for a growing portion of the elderly population, routine outings like going to the grocery store, the library, social gatherings or doctors appointments have become monumental challenges. As we age, health conditions may impact driving and we must find other methods for getting to and from our daily activities.

Many older people are reluctant to stop driving, even though they may be putting themselves and their communities in danger. According to the CDC, more than 20 older adults are killed and almost 700 are injured in car crashes every day. For most seniors, the ability to drive not only represents their level of independence but also serves as an essential means of preserving ones identity and life-long routines. A drivers license is the most widely accepted form of identification. Therefore, giving up ones drivers license involves relinquishing independence, freedom of mobility, and a sense of power.

Priorities For Van Service

• Trips to the doctor, clinic, hospital, counseling, therapy, prescriptions, etc.
• Food & NutritionTrips to Stay Fit Dining Sites or grocery stores.
• Personal BusinessTrips for banking or bill-paying, HEAP, Social Services, HIICAP , legal assistance, etc.
• Social ActivitiesTrips made for social or recreational purposes or volunteer opportunities

Because of the demands for senior transportation, travel may be limited to the nearest available facilities .

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Assessing A Transportation Provider

As you begin to research transportation providers, consider these questions:

• Are there any requirements to qualify for the service?
• Are the rides for wheelchair users and the disabled?
• Are family members able to serve as an escort? Is there an additional charge?
• Is the service door-to-door or curb-to-curb?
• What is the service area?
• Will the driver assist with bags, wheelchairs, etc.?
• Are rides provided on the weekends, evenings and holidays?
• If others are riding at the same time, what is the maximum time for pick up and drop off?
• What is the cost?
• Are there any discounts? E.g., Is my income a factor?
• Is there a membership fee?
• Is a reservation needed? How far in advance?
• Will my insurance pay for rides?

Local Area Agency On Aging

Program Description:

Area Agencies on Aging have long recognized the myriad challenges older adults face are at the forefront of community efforts to

expand the transportation options available for older adults and people with disabilities. AAAs develop and manage senior transportation programs participate in, and often lead, local and regional efforts to coordinate transportation services and advocate for transportation funding. Find your local Area agency on Aging here.

• Service Area: All 50 states
• Transportation Services Provided: All types.
• Eligibility Criteria: Contact organisation in your area to find out the eligibility criteria.

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How Do Seniors Get Around Without A Car

Seniors without a car can utilize local transportation options, including:

• Public Transportation

of buses and trains. Generally, larger cities have sophisticated public transportation systems transporting travelers almost anywhere.

Pros and Cons of Public Services for Senior Transportation

Pros: Public transportation may be the quickest, most convenient option for getting around your area depending on where you live.

Cons: Most people must walk to and from bus stops or train stations, adhere to strict schedules, and wait outside for pickup to use public transportation. As a result, its not always best for older adults especially those with limited mobility and/or difficulty following a schedule.

Remember every public bus should have a wheelchair lift, and every train should have a wheelchair-accessible car. It is advisable to inquire about the safety of the stops and stations and ensure they have an elevator and a working telephone if assistance is needed.

#2: Para-transit Services

Many older citizens are entitled to transportation services under the Americans with Disabilities Act .

Among the more widely known private ride transportation services are SilverRide and Gogograndparent.

#4: Ride-Hailing Services

Seniors can also benefit from ride-hailing services.

As well as being convenient, companies like Uber and Lyft are providing a range of accessible vehicles and services to meet the needs of seniors and people with disabilities.

#5: Taxis

#6: Volunteer Programs

Personal Transportation For Seniors

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Did you know that one-half of Americans 65 and older do not have access to public transportation? And that more than half of all non-drivers 65 and older stay at home in a given day because they don’t have transportation options. Those in rural areas and small towns are particularly affected because the transportation options are limited.

But it’s important for seniors to remain mobile to keep their social independence with friends and family to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, and many other life-prolonging benefits.

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Helping Seniors Connect With Lyft

The Area Agency on Aging 1-Bs myride2 program also has a partnership with lyfta private ride service. Lyft works similarly to a taxi service and is great for finding same-day transportation.

Traditionally, riders use an application on their smartphone to request a ride and pay for the service. But using a smartphone can be hard for many older adults and people with disabilities. With our lyft partnership, seniors can call myride2 to arrange a ride instead of using their smartphone.

Riders are asked to schedule trips to originate and end during myride2 service hours in order that any unforeseen issues can be addressed.

Reservations can be made during regular business hours by calling 1-855-697-4332. Credit card information is required to book a ride.

How To Find Elder Transportation Services Near Me

If you or your aging loved one need transportation services, contact your nearest Area Agency on Agings Information and Assistance team. Just select the region in which you live from the list below and you will find the appropriate contact information. If you have any questions about the availability of transport or the scheduled stops in your community, contact your agency or local senior center directly and they will be able to assist you. Your Information and Assistance Specialists have a transportation directory available to share alternate options.

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Myride2 Transportation Concierge Service

AAA1-Bs myride2 service can help find transportation options for seniors and adults with disabilities who live in Oakland, Macomb Washtenaw and Wayne counties. Myride2 is a transportation concierge service. That means people can call us, let us know where they want to go and we will arrange transportation from start to finish. This can be especially helpful when seniors need to go on longer trips that take them outside the range of the neighborhood transportation services they might usually usesuch as those provided by local senior centers or connector services. There is no charge for arranging transportation through myride2, but there Fmay be a cost for any transportation services they use. Payments are made directly to transportation providers

We have a database full of transportation providers and can help seniors find a provider thats right for themwhether they need wheelchair accessible transportation, help getting into the building or low-cost options. Transportation options can be requested directly through the myride2 website or by calling myride2, toll-free, at 697-4332. People can also use the myride2 website to search for transportation providers that serve their area.

Commercial Options For Older Adultstransportation:

According to the 2021 National Aging and Disability Transportation Center survey, more than 40% of adults and disabled people count on their families and friends for rides. More than three-quarters of the caregivers are employed to offer transportation services for such individuals. Some commercial options for elderly transportation can also fulfill these needs:

• Uber Health: Uber Health is a platform that offers transportation services to the elderly to their doctors appointments.
• GoGoGrandparent: This service demands a monthly subscription fee and helps senior citizens to book a ride for any task.

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National Volunteer Transportation Center

The National Volunteer Transportation Centers mission is to provide transportation solutions to those who need it, with emphasis on life-building and sustaining assistance, such as grocery shopping and medical visits, although their work is not limited to those areas.

With volunteer transportation groups in all 50 states , senior citizens will likely not be too far from a quick, free volunteer ride.While the National Volunteer Transportation Center does not itself provide transportation to seniors or connect them with groups that do, it, along with the AlterNetWays foundation, one of its partners, runs AssistRides, which does help pair seniors with individual organizations made up of volunteer drivers.

There are several things to remember when using a volunteer ride service for seniors through AssistRides:

• If you have accessibility issues be sure to let them know
• Be sure that the operator has a clear understanding of your area and where you want to go to ensure both are in the service area
• Make sure you will have a ride back as many of these services operate limited hours