How to Book Medical Transportation for an Elderly Parent

How do I book a ride for my parent to a doctor's appointment?

First, figure out what kind of vehicle your parent needs. Then check whether their insurance covers rides; after that you should book the ride with a transportation provider as early as you can. Provide the relevant details like appointment time, both addresses, and any mobility needs, then confirm the pickup details the day before.

Start with what your parent needs

There is a big difference between a parent who walks fine and just cannot drive, and one who needs an arm to get from the door to the car. Be honest, even if your parent is not.

Ask yourself a few things. Can they get in and out of a regular car on their own? Do they use a walker, cane, or wheelchair? Do they need someone to go inside with them? The answers tell you whether a standard car will do, or whether you need a van with a ramp or lift.

Check whether insurance pays

This is where people lose a week.

Medicaid covers non-emergency rides to medical appointments in most states, though how you book and what is covered depends on where you live. Original Medicare generally does not cover routine rides, but some Medicare Advantage plans include a limited number of trips. Private plans vary.

Call the number on the back of your parent's insurance card and ask directly: do we have a transportation benefit, how do we book it, and how much notice do you need?

Your options

Insurance-arranged rides usually run through a state or plan broker. They can be reliable, but often need several days' notice.

A private medical transportation company costs more out of pocket, though it is easier to schedule on short notice. Your area agency on aging, a senior center, or a faith group may run low-cost or volunteer rides. Public transit often offers paratransit, which needs an application first, so start early.

That is NEMT for elderly riders: several routes, and coverage and timing decide which one fits.

What to have ready when you book

Keep a note on your phone with:

1. Your parent's name and a phone number that actually gets answered
2. Both addresses, with the clinic's entrance or suite
3. The appointment time and how long it usually runs
4. Mobility needs like a walker, wheelchair, or oxygen
5. Whether someone rides along
6. How you will pay if insurance is not covering it

Ask whether the driver will help from the door, not just the curb.

Questions worth asking

1. Is the company licensed in our state?
2. How are drivers screened and trained?
3. What happens if the ride is late?
4. Can my parent have the same driver each time?

Make the day easier

Tell your parent who is coming and roughly when. Put the appointment details, medication list, and insurance card in one folder by the door. Call to confirm the night before.

Booking with Arigo

Arigo is preparing to offer non-emergency medical transportation in Washington and California. When service opens, you will be able to request a ride for a parent online.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far ahead should I book a ride for my parent?

As early as you can. Insurance-arranged rides often need days of notice. Private providers may manage shorter notice, but it depends on availability.

Does Medicare pay for senior transportation to the doctor?

Original Medicare generally does not cover routine non-emergency rides. Some Medicare Advantage plans do. Call the plan to check.

What if my parent uses a wheelchair?

Say so when you book; make sure you ask the provider to send a wheelchair accessible vehicle. Not every provider has one available so it's better to inform them at the time of booking.

Need a ride for your parent?

Check coverage first, book early, and tell the provider exactly what your parent needs. The rest is a confirmation call the night before.

Tell us what they need and we'll confirm what we can offer.