When selecting a system of transportation, you must take into account a variety of factors. Do you live in a rural or urban community? Do you have medical needs that require consideration when providing transportation? What economic resources can be allocated to fulfill your transportation needs? Transportation does not have to be expensive, and insurance will sometimes cover the cost, especially if the trip is for medical purposes. Nonetheless, like many things in America, the best and most convenient alternatives are likely to be the most costly.
As required by law, Medicaid will cover non-emergency medical transportation, such as trips to the doctor for a scheduled appointment. Medicare, however, will only cover emergency medical trips, like those that require 911 service. In certain chronic and debilitating cases, Medicare will pay for non-emergency trips, but these need to be worked out on a case by case basis. Other insurance companies have only recently begun to consider transportation as an insurable cost. Savvy consumers can find hidden opportunities in their plans, such as worker's compensation, as a means to obtain coverage. The options are so varied among insurance carriers that it's best to consult with your individual company to see what it provides.
A good transportation system will not just take a passenger from point A to point B. Rather, a top system will provide senior citizens with a similar feeling of control over the timing of and route to their final destination to that they felt in their own vehicles. In addition to providing independence, seniors should expect a transportation system to enable them to maintain their sense of security and dignity.