Over 60 groups of volunteer pilots are trained to transport those in need of free air transportation for patients, family members or various staff members. They primarily assist with medical transport, but do a variety of other missions as well.
aircarealliance.org
Provides vocational training for individuals with a variety of disabilities. Services include soft skills development, assistance with all stages of the job application process, and direct skills training on the worksite. They offer an Integrated Adult Day program, Supportive Living Services, and Transportation Services. Services vary by location.
Main Office: (740) 368-5810
Transportation: (740) 564-2502
alphagroup.net
Members who have Medicaid or Medicare through AmeriHealth who have an appointment that is over 30 miles away can call Member Services to schedule a free ride to health appointments. If traveling less than 30 miles from your home, you can get transportation for certain services through the local county department of job and family services (CDJFS) Non-Emergency Transportation (NET) program.
amerihealthcaritasoh.com/member/eng/benefits/transportation.aspx
Service County Directory: jfs.ohio.gov/County/County_Directory.stm
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield members can receive free rides to and from their doctor’s office, pharmacy, and other providers of covered services.
Provides affordable access to bicycles and cycling-related resources to those who rely on bikes as their sole means of transportation. They offer new and pre-owned bikes, parts, tools and cycling gear, free maintenance classes, an open repair shop and group rides. They also accept donations.
934 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
(614) 670-8685
bikes4allpeople.com
Provides round trip coverage for covered services 30+ miles away. In addition, Buckeye offers up to 15 round-trip visits (30 one-way trips) per member per 12-month period to covered healthcare/dental appointments, WIC appointments, food banks, food pantries, food clinics, and grocery stores, and re-determination appointments with your County Department Job & Family Services caseworker.
buckeyehealthplan.com/members/medicaid/benefits-services/benefits-central-southeast.html
Job & Family Service County Directory: jfs.ohio.gov/County/County_Directory.stm
Children and adults in central Ohio who have Medicaid or Medicare through CareSource or if the health appointment is over 30 miles away can call Member Services to schedule a free ride to health appointments (including WIC appointments), food banks, food pantries, food clinics, and grocery stores.
Offers a shared-ride service for people with disabilities, and rides must be scheduled in advance. This handicapped and wheelchair accessible van can provide door-to-door service for eligible customers. Customers must complete the online application and have it signed by a physician to get the COTA ADA card.
cota.com
Mobility Services: cota.com/services/cota-mainstream
Discount Fairs: cota.com/riding-cota/discount-fares
Pride Centers are one-stop shops for city services, dedicated to protecting the health, safety and welfare of families living in the area. These centers house basic city services in one place, which include the Neighborhood Social Workers. Call first to make an appointment.
Main Columbus Public Health Neighborhood Social Work Helpline: (614) 645-6807
Columbus Department of Neighborhoods Office: (614) 645-1993
new.columbus.gov
Westside Neighborhood Pride Center
1186 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43222
(614) 724-2033
franklinton.org
The Reeb Center
280 Reed Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43207
(614) 468-9280
reebcenter.org
Near East Pride Center
1393 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 645-7343
North Neighborhood Pride Center
248 East Eleventh Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 645-5220
Far East Pride Center
2500 Park Crescent Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43232
(614) 724-0100
These neighborhood resource lists are extremely helpful in finding resources near you. They provide detailed listings of free and low cost health care, vision care, dental care, prescription help, food pantries, transportation, job help, transportation, pregnancy resources and much more. They are updated frequently and reviewed by the Columbus Public Health social work team. Please note that CPH does not provide direct monetary assistance, but these lists are helpful in finding community agencies that do provide this assistance.
240 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-7417
Columbus Public Health Neighborhood Social Work Helpline: (614) 645-6807
https://new.columbus.gov/Services/Public-Health
County agency supporting children and adults with developmental disabilities. Provides support through two core areas: early Intervention for children under 3, and Service and Support Administration, which can include assistance with daily living, therapeutic needs, connection to resources and social groups in your community, and help to find and maintain a job. Use the website to find important information on Medicaid waiver services, forms, and to find a provider near you.
7991 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center, Ohio 43035
(800) 474-9787 or (740) 201-3600
dcbdd.org
Private agency providing in-home support services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Services include help with daily living activities and transportation. Clients require a waiver from the county Board of Developmental Disabilities to receive services.
6500 Busch Boulevard, Suite 215, Columbus, Ohio 43229
(614) 210-0944
Provides a list of accessible dining, transportation, activities, hotels and other resources in and around Columbus that have been reviewed by disability inclusion experts. For specific questions about accessibility at a particular location, contact the location (or source of transportation) for the most up-to-date details.
(614) 221-6623
experiencecolumbus.com/plan-your-visit/accessibility
Offers faith-based community outreach programs. All are welcome for a free community breakfast on Sunday mornings and for Thursday night dinner and fellowship. They also host a free monthly bike shop. Call or go online for details.
1015 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 252-3191
felccolumbus.com/community
Transportation services are provided for non-emergency medical appointments for children and adults with Medicaid. Families may use the transportation services multiple times once they are approved.
314 North Wilson Road, Columbus, Ohio 43204
Transportation Unit: (614) 233-2381
jfs.franklincountyohio.gov/medical-support-services
Helps families keep their bikes in good working order through its free Open Shop program in which people repair their own bicycles with help from a volunteer mechanic. Youth helmets are free and refurbished bikes and new and used parts can be purchased at an affordable rate.
897 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43222
(614) 228-1852
franklintoncycleworks.org
Non-profit providing free, donated vehicles to families at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Recipients must cover tag/title/registration fees, insurance, and are responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the vehicle. The charity does not have inventory and distributes cars as they are donated, so there may be considerable wait time. Go online and fill out the Vehicle Request Form to request help. You can also use the website to donate your vehicle or contact the organization.
freecharitycars.org
Humana Healthy Horizons members get 30 one-way (15 round) trips each calendar year. No approval needed. Rides are available for doctor appointments, job interviews, food banks, grocery stores, Women Infants and Children (WIC) appointments and more.
Faith-based organization providing a wide range of services across Ohio. Services include Faith Mission homeless shelter, food, health care, affordable senior living and domestic violence help. Visit the website for detailed program information and to find an office near you. The United Way/LSS 211 Information and Referral network can connect you to other social services across Franklin County.
A non-profit charity, dedicated to providing non-emergency, long-distance ground transportation to financially disadvantaged, ambulatory patients who are traveling for treatment. They use the following resources for assisting patients: gas cards, bus, train and airline tickets. Trips within a local area or community is typically not handled, but exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis. Visit the website for contact information.
4620 Haygood Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23455
mercymedical.org
Offers information and local resources about local biking events and trails, bicycle safety, promotes bicycling in central Ohio. They also provide a Franklin County Home Repair program low- and moderate-income homeowners, home energy efficiency and safety services at no cost to income-eligible homeowners and renters, and information on air quality.
111 Liberty Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 228-2663 or (800) 750-0750 TTY
Home Repair: (614) 233-4171
Free Home Energy Efficiency & Safety Services: (614) 621-1171
morpc.org
Provides children and their families free flights to distant, specialized medical care. Call or visit the website to find out if you qualify for assistance.
5740 South Eastern Avenue, Suite 240, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119
(800) 359-1711
miracleflights.org
For Molina members they can call the number below to schedule a free ride. Molina offers emergency medical transportation, non-emergency medical transport and non-emergency non-medical transportation; food banks, food pantries, food clinics, and grocery stores. Patients who are in wheelchairs may have unlimited transportation to and from medical appointments each year.
3000 Corporate Exchange Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43231
molinahealthcare.com/members/oh/en-US/mem/medicaid/overvw/coverd/services/Pages/transport.aspx
Their website provides a lot of information about car safety ratings, choosing a car seat, how to find out about recalls, airbag information, reporting vehicle theft, car seat laws, finding a car seat inspection site and a lot more. With your child’s date of birth, height and weight, you can click on the link below to figure out what car seat to choose.
1200 New Jersey Avenue Southeast, Washington, DC 20590
(888) 327-4236 or (800) 424-9153 TTY
Car Seat Finder Tool: nhtsa.gov
Waivers are programs that help Ohio Medicaid customers with special needs remain at home instead of being in a nursing home, hospital or facility. They provide financial assistance to families, and there is typically a waiting list. Services may include personal care, transportation, respite services, supported employment, nutrition services, assistive devices, home modifications and interpreter services. See further information about Ohio waiver programs below.
50 West Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Consumer Hotline: (800) 324-8680
medicaid.ohio.gov
In Ohio, most individuals who have Medicaid must join a managed care plan (MCP) to receive their health care. These plans provide a toll-free medical advice phone line for help coordinating care for individuals with special health care needs, annual physical exams and sick and well care. Ohio has a general hotline for advice about managed care plans.
Medicaid 24/7 Hotline: (800) 324-8680
Arranges no-cost air transportation within the Northeastern United States for patients seeking medical care. Volunteer pilots fly individuals for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care as well as many other compassionate or humanitarian purposes. They also arrange special air transportation for military members and their families.
7110 Republic Airport, Farmingdale, New York 11735
(888) 818-1231
palservices.org
Note: CAP4Kids does not recommend or endorse any specific company. We encourage families to carefully review and evaluate all services.
A network of partners in the South Side of Columbus working to holistically improve quality of life for residents. Their website has helpful information and resources for finding healthcare and insurance, healthy eating, resilience, mental and physical wellness, and managing chronic conditions. Use their Resource Map to locate resources like food, childcare, healthcare, legal help, and more in the South Side. Go online to contact the organization.
southsidethrive.org
Non-profit, non-residential organization assisting people of all ages with all types of disabilities to live more independently. The majority of their board and staff are people with disabilities, assisting others with disabilities. They provide information and referrals for housing, education, transportation, assistive technology, and benefits. They also offer Advocacy/Peer Support, Independent Living Skills Training, and help locating other community-based services.
Community based, non-residential Center for Independent Living serving individuals of any age, with any disability, who are residents of Franklin, Delaware, Union, and Licking, counties. They help consumers develop individualized Independent Living Plans and support them in reaching their goals. Services include peer mentoring, transportation, help with housing, employment, and benefits. Empower Youth is a virtual support group for ages 14-24.
4400 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 575-8055
disabilityempowerment.net
Ohio Medicaid plan covers eligible families, pregnant women of any age, infants, children and young adults. The plan also offers extra support and care to adults and children with a disability, long-term illness or special health care needs. They pay for up to 30 one-way (15 round trip rides) to medical visits or the pharmacy, as well as food banks, food pantries, food clinics, and grocery stores.
(800) 895-2017
uhccommunityplan.com/oh/medicaid/community-plan