Gas prices across the US have been surging — especially in California, where an average gallon of fuel is now just under $6, according to AAA.  While everyone is feeling the pain, advocates urge older adults and people with disabilities to consider some of the available low-cost or free transportation solutions. 

“Above all, we don’t want anyone making trade off decisions — cutting out medical appointments or not picking up their medications because gas is too high or they don’t have transportation,” said Karen Schulte, president of nonprofit health insurer SCAN’s Medicare division. 

Indeed, there are often affordable transportation options for older adults and people with disabilities in most communities. But because transportation is a fragmented offering with lots of different types of providers — from your health insurance company to government agencies and nonprofits — it may take a bit of sleuthing to understand the available services in your area and how to access a ride or apply for your discount, said Gillian Gillet, manager of the California Integrated Mobility Program for Caltrans, California’s department of transportation.  “My office is very actively working to improve services and the customer experience, especially for people with access barriers, but people still have to work too hard in some communities to figure out their transportation options,” Gillet added. 

Here are some key places to start:

Your health care plan

If you have Medi-Cal: Your managed care plan must cover transportation to and from appointments covered by Medi-Cal (California’s version of Medicaid). This includes transportation to medical, dental, mental health or substance use disorder appointments, and to pick up prescriptions and medical supplies. 

If you have Medicare: Original Medicare doesn’t cover non-emergency medical transportation, but many Medicare Advantage plans do — including many plans offered by Kaiser, SCAN and United Health Care. Depending on your plan, there may be limits to the number of trips you can take or other stipulations. 

Call your health insurance plan’s customer service department. Ask to get connected to a care manager, advised Schulte. This person should be able to explain your transportation benefits and, if your plan covers rides, how to schedule them. Most plans offer ride scheduling online, though an app or through a phone call. Some plans require trips to be scheduled days in advance. 

If you discover that your plan doesn’t offer transportation, don’t give up; your insurer may still have solutions. “They may be able to offer you transportation either through switching you to a different plan or sometimes they have vouchers or can connect you to a reliable community resource,” Schulte said.   

Cal-PACE

California PACE centers replace other health insurance providers and offer comprehensive care for older adults who qualify for both Medi-Cal and Medicare and have a chronic condition or are socially isolated. Currently, there are 40 centers in communities throughout the state. After applying and getting approved, PACE will provide transportation to health appointments, adult day services and more.

Area Agencies on Aging and similar centers

Resource hubs for older adults may may be able to provide transportation options or information on appropriate low-cost or free transportation. Search for your Agency on Aging or inquire at your local center. 

Community resources

Across the state, there are myriad different community organizations and nonprofits that offer free or low-cost transportation services. First, using your zip code, search for the offerings in your area at the nonprofit Rides In Sightportal. Then you’ll need to call the organizations or explore the websites of each to determine how to access the services, which vary widely. In rural areas there may be fewer providers. Be tenacious. It can take some trial and error before you find a community resource that meets your needs. 

Public transit, including paratransit

Federally subsidized public transit providers are required to charge no more than half fare for older adults, people with disabilities and Medicare cardholders, Gillet said. Many local agencies, such as LA Metro or Bay Area Transit, offer even deeper fare discounts, daily caps or free rides across networks. You must apply for these discounts — and it may take time to get approved. Start with an online search for “senior/disability discounts” for your area’s public transit system. There should be a way to apply online, by mail or in person. If you can’t navigate buses or other public transit because of mobility issues, you may be eligible for low-cost paratransit provided by your local transit agency. To find out how to access these services, start by searching “paratransit near me.” Each system has its own application process; these rides usually must be booked two to three days in advance. 

While figuring out transportation will take some effort, it’s worth making it a priority. “We think holistically about the availability of transportation,” Schulte said. “It’s not just important for medical and health-related appointments — it’s important for social events and other gatherings too because social connection is intricately tied to wellness.”