Transportation Services play a crucial role in connecting individuals with essential resources and enabling them to participate in daily activities. This guide provides a detailed overview of transportation services, encompassing various types, eligibility criteria, access methods, and important considerations.
Types of Transportation Services
Transportation services are broadly categorized into two main types: general and medical. Many agencies offer one or both of these options.
General Transportation
General transportation services cater to a wide range of non-medical needs, facilitating travel to various destinations within the community. These destinations typically include:
- Nutrition sites, ensuring access to nutritious meals.
- Senior centers, promoting social engagement and recreational activities.
- Shopping centers, enabling individuals to purchase essential goods.
- Pharmacies, facilitating access to medications and healthcare products.
- Recreational facilities, encouraging physical activity and leisure pursuits.
Medical Transportation
Medical transportation services specifically address healthcare needs, providing transportation to and from medical facilities. Common destinations for medical transportation include:
- Doctor’s offices, enabling routine checkups and consultations.
- Hospitals, facilitating access to emergency and specialized care.
- Health clinics, providing various healthcare services in a community setting.
Eligibility for Transportation Services
Generally, individuals aged 60 and older are eligible for transportation services. Specific eligibility requirements may vary depending on the program and local provider.
Accessing Transportation Services
Funding for transportation services is often provided through grants to local providers. To access these services, individuals can consult the following resources:
- Transportation Provider Directory: Link to Directory
- Medical Transportation Provider Directory: Link to Directory
Learning More about Transportation Services
For further information, contact the NC Division of Aging’s Transportation Program Consultant via email: [email protected]
Important Considerations
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Under the ADA, personal care attendants are permitted to accompany eligible individuals during transportation, provided they share the same origin and destination. This ensures necessary support for individuals requiring assistance.
Ambulance Transportation
Ambulance transportation should only be utilized when an individual’s medical condition necessitates it and alternative transportation is unsuitable. Ambulance services are covered under Medicare and Medicaid, subject to specific criteria.
Alternative Funding Sources
Transportation services may also receive support from other funding sources:
- Medicaid: Medicaid covers transportation to Medicaid-approved services for eligible individuals. Contact your social worker or local Department of Social Services for details: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/local-dss-directory.
- Department of Transportation: Information on local transit options can be found on the Department of Transportation website: https://www.ncdot.gov/Pages/default.aspx.
Transportation services help seniors stay active
