Federal Programs Available in Every State

Regardless of which state you live in, these federal transportation programs are available:

• Medicaid NEMT — free rides to medical appointments for Medicaid enrollees with no other transportation
• ADA paratransit — door-to-door service for people with disabilities who cannot use fixed-route transit
• Section 5310 — federal funding for transportation services for seniors and people with disabilities
• TANF transportation assistance — states must use TANF funds to help recipients get to work
• WIOA supportive services — transportation assistance for job training participants

How State Programs Differ

Beyond federal programs, states vary widely in their transportation assistance:

• NEMT administration — some states use managed care organizations, others use state-run brokerages
• Senior transit programs — funding levels and eligibility vary significantly
• Rural transportation — some states have robust rural transit networks, others have very limited options
• Ride-sharing integration — some states have integrated Lyft and Uber into Medicaid NEMT
• Volunteer driver programs — availability and funding vary by state and county
• Vehicle modification programs — vocational rehabilitation funding levels differ by state

Finding Transportation Help in Your State

The most effective ways to find transportation assistance in your state:

• Dial 2-1-1 — the most reliable way to find local transportation resources; available in all 50 states
• Contact your state Medicaid office — for NEMT information and scheduling
• Contact your local Area Agency on Aging — eldercare.acl.gov or 1-800-677-1116
• Contact your local transit authority — for paratransit and senior/disability fare programs
• Contact your state vocational rehabilitation agency — for employment-related transportation
• Visit your state's health and human services website — for state-specific programs

Rural Transportation Challenges

Transportation assistance is particularly challenging in rural areas, where public transit is limited or nonexistent and distances to medical appointments and services are greater.

Rural residents should specifically look for:

- Volunteer driver programs operated by local nonprofits and faith communities - Medicaid NEMT — especially important in rural areas where distances are greater - Community transportation programs funded through Section 5310 - Telehealth options that can reduce the need for in-person transportation - State rural transportation programs (some states have specific rural transit funding)

Coordinating Multiple Transportation Programs

Many people qualify for multiple transportation programs simultaneously. A senior with Medicaid and a disability, for example, might be eligible for:

- Medicaid NEMT for medical appointments - ADA paratransit for general community trips - Area Agency on Aging volunteer driver program for errands - Senior transit discounts for fixed-route bus service

A mobility manager or case manager can help you coordinate multiple programs and find the best option for each trip. Contact your local transit authority or Area Agency on Aging to ask about mobility management services.