Transportation Issues — How to Get Around When You Can’t Get Around

If you’re suffering from vision problems, hearing loss or mobility issues — driving a car can be difficult (and dangerous). But even if you have to give up your set of wheels, you can still get out and about to see friends and family, do errands and attend your favorite events. Here’s a look at how to do that:

Use public transportation

In 2019, Americans took 9.9 billion trips on public transportation, according to the American Public Transportation Association¹. From streetcars to buses to commuter trains to water taxis, lots of cities across the U.S. have public transportation options. Some even offer free or discounted fares to individuals based on their age and location.

Look into rideshare services and local taxi companies

It can be hard to find public transportation options in rural areas, so that’s where rideshare services and local taxi companies can help. You could download a ride sharing app on your smartphone. Once you download the app, you type in your current location — where you want to go — and presto! Within a few minutes, a car will be waiting for you. If you prefer something more traditional, you can call your local taxi service to schedule a ride.

Research community and volunteer transportation programs

By asking around or doing some online research, you might find a community and volunteer transportation company in your area to help you get to medical, dental and other essential healthcare appointments. Most of the time, the rides will need to be scheduled. It’s an excellent opportunity to meet a vetted volunteer eager to serve your transportation needs.

Explore your plan benefits

Humana may pay for ambulance transportation when you need to go to the hospital, critical access hospital or skilled nursing facility for medically necessary services and transportation in any other vehicle could endanger your health.² Check your benefits for details.

In some cases, Medicare may pay for limited, medically necessary, nonemergency ambulance transportation if you have a written order from your doctor stating that ambulance transportation is medically necessary. For example, you may need a medically necessary ambulance transport to a dialysis facility if you have end-stage kidney disease (ESKD).

Go beyond wheels

Especially with high gas prices, you might be looking for some ways to cut back on using your car. Here are a few ideas:

• Schedule any pickups for medications on the same day to reduce the number of trips to the pharmacy or see what can be delivered to your door.
• Eliminate trips to the grocery store with store deliveries or sign up for a meal delivery subscription.
• Talk to your doctor to see what appointments could work best for a telehealth visit.
• At no additional cost for many Humana Medicare Advantage members is a health and fitness program designed for people with Medicare, called SilverSneakers®³. If SilverSneakers is included on your Humana plan, skip the trip to the gym and participate in online classes from the comfort of your home on the SilverSneakers website.

Driving a car can often represent freedom and independence, making it a hard thing to give up. But in doing so, you are helping make the roads safer for yourself, your loved ones and your community.

Sources

1. “Public Transportation Facts,” American Public Transportation Association, last accessed March 1, 2023, https://www.apta.com/news-publications/public-transportation-facts/.
2. “Medicare Transportation and Ambulance Coverage,” Humana, last accessed March 1, 2023, https://www.humana.com/medicare/medicare-transportation-and-ambulance-coverage.
3. “SilverSneakers,” Humana, last accessed March 1, 2023, https://tools.silversneakers.com/.