Transportation to cancer treatment is one of the major issues patients must confront when diagnosed with cancer. Distance, lack of access to an automobile or public transport, or lack of availability of someone to drive to an appointment can cause a delay or remittance of treatment.
At OneVillage, we are committed to helping everyone gain equal access to cancer care. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of free transportation resources for cancer patients. Discover free cancer transportation assistance below:
- Good Days: A non-profit organization that provides resources for life-saving and life-extending treatments to people in need of access to care, Good Days provides various financial services for many qualifying diseases. The Good Days Travel Assistance program pays for travel costs to ensure patients have access to the care they need.
Travel assistance may include transportation by car or a variety of public transit options including Uber Health and Lyft for Healthcare. If a patient’s treatment requires an overnight stay, Good Days Care navigators will arrange flights, car rentals, and lodging as needed. By coordinating travel from start to finish, the Travel Assistance program ensures patients can easily adhere to important medical appointments.Find out if you qualify and begin your application today at https://www.mygooddays.org/patients/how-to-apply. - Air Charity Network: If you’re looking to travel farther than a car ride, Air Charity Network is a charitable organization that provides access for people in need who are seeking free air transportation to specialized health care facilities. A network of member organizations cover specific geographical service areas and coordinate with volunteer pilot flights.
To request a flight, visit their website to be connected with a route within your region. You can also call the toll-free number 877-621-7177 to request assistance from one of the regional organizations. - Road To Recovery: This program, created and managed by American Cancer Society, provides transportation to and from treatment for people with cancer who are unable to drive themselves or can’t find a ride.
While there are current COVID-19 restrictions and precautions, this program will be expanding to other communities later in the year. Contact 1-800-227-2345 well in advance of your appointment to see if you qualify and if there are rides available in your area. - Mercy Medical Angels: An organization created to ensure that no one is ever denied medical care because they don’t have transportation, Mercy Medical Angels offers commercial airline tickets, ground transportation and volunteer pilot transportation.
Ground transportation assistance includes gas cards and commercial bus or Amtrak tickets for non-local medical care more than 50 miles away. Request transportation assistance from Mercy Medical Angels at https://www.mercymedical.org/request-assistance - Alex's Lemonade Stand, Travel For Care Program: A program designed to ensure children battling childhood cancer have the financial assistance needed to travel to clinical trials, experimental therapeutics, or treatment innovations not currently available at their local institution, the ALSF Travel for Care program funds transportation and lodging for eligible families.
Applications for this program must be submitted by a social worker or a member of your oncology care team. Travel For Care provides up to $4,000 annually in assistance as long as all eligibility criteria is met. Learn more about this program and discover if you are eligible at https://www.alexslemonade.org/childhood-cancer/for-families/travel-for-care - Check with Your Hospital Network: Many hospital networks offer assistance for transportation to and from oncology appointments. Connect with your hospital network's Patient & Family services, or your assigned social worker, to discover if your provider offers transportation services to cancer treatment appointments.
- Rideshare Credits: Both Uber and Lyft offer programs to help medical patients reach their appointments safely and on time. Uber Health and Lyft can be accessed in many areas across the country and may be provided by a plan near you.
On OneVillage, you can also add Uber Credits to your WishList so your loved ones and supporters can purchase credits for you to be safely transported to oncology appointments. - Check with Your Insurance: It’s possible you have free, unclaimed benefits from your existing insurance plan. Discover your benefits on OneVillage by completing our onboarding survey and selecting your insurance provider. Alternatively, contact your insurance provider for more information.
Medicare: If you are a Medicare member, you are likely to qualify for a plan that covers transportation services to medical appointments. While these services vary by state, non-emergency medical transportation are an important benefit you can take advantage of.
Anthem: Speak to a provider service representative by calling 800-676-BLUE (2583) or visiting https://www.anthem.com/provider/contact-us/
United Health: You may be eligible for a dual health plan that covers transportation to and from approved medical locations. Visit https://www.uhccommunityplan.com/dual-eligible/benefits/dual-plan-transportation-assistance or call 1-855-978-0276 for more information.
Kaiser Foundation: Offering transportation services in many different regions, Kaiser Foundation may have options for you.Call 404-365-0966 to inquire about transportation assistance in your state.
Humana: Partnering with transportation companies allows some Humana patients to receive access to transportation assistance. Call 1-800-457-4708 to discover if you qualify for available transportation.
Cigna: If your plan includes supplemental non-emergent medical transportation coverage, you may be eligible for rides to treatment. Call 1 (800) 997-1654 to learn more about your availability.
If you or a loved one is seeking additional assistance, please reach out via Live Chat or email us at support@onevillage.io.
