Columbus OH
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Transportation To Medical Appointments


Air Care Alliance (ACA)

A nationwide network of volunteer pilot organizations providing free air transportation. Their main offering is non-emergency medical transportation for patients and families needing to access distant medical care. Specialized flights are also available for youth fun & education, access to gender-affirming care, and animal rescue. Browse the Directory to contact a specific organization, or fill out the online referral form to get started.
aircarealliance.org

Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA)

Regional public transit provider for greater Columbus and Central Ohio. Riders can use the Transit app, pay exact change, or purchase a physical pass at a COTA office or vending machine to ride. Visit the website for routes, fares and program details. They offer several programs to help make transportation accessible:

  • COTA Mainstream/Paratransit: Offers shared-ride or private door-to-door service for those whose disabilities prevent them from riding a COTA fixed-route bus. Customers must complete an application for services.
    (614) 275-5833
  • COTA Plus: Download the app to request on-demand rides from Grove City, Westerville, the South Side, or Franklin County Corrections Center.
    (614) 308-4400
  • COTA C-Pass: An employer-sponsored benefit for downtown businesses and their employees. Downtown employees may access free bus rides and e-bike rides.
    (614) 591-4184
  • Zoo Bus: Provides rides to Columbus Zoo and discounted admission to the Zoo or Zoombezi Bay for all ages from May through October.
  • Discounted Fares: Individuals who receive income assistance (such as Medicaid, TANF, WIC, SNAP/EBT), people ages 65+, persons with disabilities, and veterans receive half-price fares. Customers must apply in-person at the COTA Customer Experience Center and bring proper documentation.
  • Educational Pass: Students grades 9-12 at Columbus City Schools can receive a Student Success Card for free, unlimited access to COTA transit and Columbus Metropolitan Library.
    cota.com/ccs

COTA Customer Experience Center: 33 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 228-1776
Mobility Services Office: 1330 Fields Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 275-5833
cota.com

Do More Foundation

Offers financial assistance for families who need financial help due to their child’s medical needs. Includes help with utility/rent bills, meal expenses while at the hospital, gas expenses for travel to and from hospital or doctor visits, non-covered medical expenses, non-covered supplies that would aid the child in their treatment and funeral expenses related to the death of a child. Go online for additional contact information and to apply for assistance.
PO Box 1981, Pompano Beach, Florida 33061
(954) 857-9059
thedomorefoundation.org

Equitas Health

Healthcare provider specializing in good health for those at risk or affected by HIV, the LGBTQ+ community, and those seeking a welcoming healthcare home. Services include free, anonymous testing for HIV/AIDS and other STIs (syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia), primary and specialized medical care, behavioral health, dentistry, pharmacy, HIV/STI prevention programs, Ryan White/HIV case management, gender affirming care, and care navigation/linkage to other services such as housing and  legal help. They accept most insurances, including Medicaid, and offer a sliding fee discount for income-eligible patients. Qualifying patients may also request assistance with transportation to appointments.

  • Columbus King-Lincoln Health Center/Mozaic: 750 East Long Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
  • Columbus Safe Point King-Lincoln: 140 Hamilton Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43202
  • Columbus Safe Point: 1267 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43222
  • Columbus Short North Health Center & Pharmacy: 1033 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201
  • Akron Health Center & Pharmacy: 636 West Exchange Street, Akron, Ohio 44302
  • Athens: 8 West Stimson Avenue, Athens, Ohio 45701
  • Cincinnati Health Center & Pharmacy: 2805 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45206
  • Dayton Health Center & Pharmacy: 1222 South Patterson Boulevard, Dayton, Ohio 45402
  • Lima: 658 West Market Street, Lima, Ohio 45801
  • Mansfield: 410 Park Avenue West, Mansfield, Ohio 44906
  • Portsmouth: 1615 Chillicothe Street, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662
  • Toledo: 3450 West Central Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43606
  • Youngstown: 7067 Tiffany Boulevard, Poland, Ohio 44514

(833) 378-4827
equitashealth.com

Franklin County Department of Job & Family Services (JFS) Medical Support Transportation Services

Transportation services are provided to non-emergency medical appointments for disabled children and adults on Medicaid. Families may use the transportation services multiple times once they are approved. Call the number below to get started.
314 North Wilson Road, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 233-2381
jfs.franklincountyohio.gov/medical-support-services

Health Insurance Managed Care Plans (MCP) Medicaid Hotlines & Transportation to Medical Appointments

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 Member Services phoneline for help coordinating care for individuals with special health care needs, medical advice, transportation, and other plan benefits. Ohio has a general hotline for advice about all managed care plans.

Ohio Medicaid 24/7 Hotline: (800) 324-8680
medicaid.ohio.gov/families-and-individuals/srvcs/transportation

  • AmeriHealth
    Members with a medical appointment over 30 miles away can call Member Services to schedule a free ride to health appointments. Members can call 2 business days in advance to schedule transportation.
    Member Services: (833) 764-7700
    amerihealthcaritasoh.com/member/eng/benefits/transportation.aspx
  • Anthem
    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 through Access2Care. Call a minimum of 2 full business days prior to your scheduled routine appointment. For an urgent/same day appointment or facility discharge, members may call and Access2Care will try to find a ride for the member. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance.
    Member Services: (844) 912-0938
    Access2Care: (800) 282-9720
    anthem.com/oh/medicaid/benefits/transportation
  • Buckeye Health Plan
    Provides round trip coverage for covered services 30+ miles away. Offers 15 round-trip visits per member per 12-month period for healthcare appointments, WIC appointments, JFS renewal/redetermination appointments, and pharmacies. Members can call 2 business days in advance to schedule.
    Member Services:(866) 246-4358
    Transportation: (866) 246-4358
    buckeyehealthplan.com/members/medicaid
  • CareSource
    Provides unlimited trips to and from healthcare visits, including JFS renewal appointments, pharmacies, gyms, and grocery stores. Wheelchair accessible rides are available upon request. Call Member Services at least 2 business days prior to the appointment to schedule a ride.
    Member Services: (800) 488-0134
    caresource.com/oh/plans/medicaid/benefits-services/additional-services
  • Humana Healthy Horizons
    Provides 30 one-way (15 round) trips each calendar year for members. Rides are available for JFS appointments, healthcare appointments, baby showers, food banks, GED classes, job interviews parenting classes, and more. Additional trips are available for circumstances such as intensive outpatient treatment or visiting children in residential facilities. Unlimited trips are available for treatments such as chemotherapy, dialysis, and urgent care. Transportation is provided through Access2Care, call the Access2Care line to schedule. Members must call at least 48 hours in advance of needing a ride if needing access to wheelchair transportation or non-medical transportation.
    Member Services: (877) 856-5702
    Access2Care: (855) 739-5986
    humana.com/medicaid/ohio/coverage/transportation
  • Molina
    Provides 30 one-way trips each calendar year for healthcare appointments, WIC appointments, pharmacies, food pantries, and grocery stores. Unlimited rides are available for transportation from the emergency room, doctor’s appointments 30+ miles away, prenatal care and after-birth check-ups, and newborn well-visits. Transportation may be provided through rideshare services (Lyft, Uber), taxis, bus passes, gas money, or other providers. Call the transportation line at least 48 hours before needing transportation to schedule.
    Transportation: (866) 642-9279
    Eligibility Questions: (866) 481-5994
    Member Services: (800) 642-4168
    molinahealthcare.com/members/oh/en-US/mem/medicaid/overvw/coverd/services/transport.aspx
  • United Healthcare
    Provides 30 one-way (15 round) trips per calendar year to health care appointments and pharmacies. Mileages reimbursement is available for members who would prefer to use their own vehicle to medical appointments. Unlimited trips are available for pregnancy, prenatal, post-partum, WIC appointments, NICU visits, and newborn well-visits. Members must call Member Services 5 days in advance to schedule a trip.
    Eligibility Questions: (844) 316-8963
    Member Services: (800) 895-2017
    uhc.com/communityplan/ohio/plans/medicaid/community-plan

Lutheran Social Services (LSS) 211 Central Ohio

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.

  • LSS 211
    Call 211 or (614) 221-2255
    lssnetworkofhope.org/211centralohio
  • Central Ohio Main Office
    1105 Schrock Rd, Columbus, OH 43229
    (614) 228-5200
  • Food Pantries
    (614) 341-2282 or text ‘Food’ to (614) 702-7772
    Pantry Locations: lssnetworkofhope.org/foodpantries/locations
  • LSS Health Center: Offers primary care, dental, vision, HIV/STD testing, pharmacy, and behavioral health care.
    245 North Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
    (614) 224-0747
    lssnetworkofhope.org/lsshealthcenter
  • New to the US Resources
    Anyone can call 211 for help in English or 180 other languages.
    211.org/get-help/new-us
  • Faith Mission Homeless Shelter
    Must call Homeless Hotline in advance to be assigned a bed: (614) 274-7000
    General: (614) 224-6617
    217 North Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
    Men’s Shelter: 599 East Eighth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
  • CHOICES Domestic Violence Services: Offers temporary housing, counseling, legal services, and peer support.
    24-hour Domestic Violence Crisis Line: (614) 224-4663
    General: (614) 224-7200
    lssnetworkofhope.org/choices/services
  • Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF): Serves veterans in need of housing stability.
    (614) 224-6617

lssnetworkofhope.org

Miracle Flights

Provides free commercial airline tickets for children and their families traveling for specialized medical care within the United States. Families must meet financial guidelines, have a child under the age of 17 seeking medical care, and have a confirmed medical appointment scheduled at least 14 days in advance to qualify. All flyers must be able to safely board and travel on a commercial airline. Approved families may receive up to 2 round-trip flights per month during the course of treatment. They also offer flights for service dog training and retrieval. Visit the website for details and to complete an online application.
5740 South Eastern Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119
(800) 359-1711 or (702) 261-0494
miracleflights.org

Ohio Department of Medicaid Waiver Services

Ohio Medicaid waivers help eligible customers with disabilities or chronic health conditions pay for healthcare costs and access care at home or in the community rather than a long-term care facility. Covered services may include personal care, transportation, respite services, supported employment, nutrition services, assistive devices, home modifications and interpreter services. Each state has its own waiver program has its own programs with different eligibility requirements, and there is typically a waiting list. Contact your local Board of Developmental Disabilities or Department of Job and Family Services to start the waiver application process.

Job & Family Services Offices: cap4kids.org/columbus/franklin-county-jfs
County Boards of Developmental Disabilities Offices: cap4kids.org/columbus/department-of-developmental-disabilities
Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities Service Coordination Department: (614) 464-2743
Franklin County Job and Family Services: (844) 640-6446
Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline: (800) 324-8680

Oracle Health Foundation

Provides grants to help cover clinical, equipment, displacement, and vehicle modification costs related to children’s healthcare needs. They also provide Care Kits with age-appropriate personal care and comfort items for children going through life challenges such as foster care. Requests can be made through their website.
(816) 201-1569
oraclehealthfoundation.org/pediatric-grants

Private Companies that Transport Children with Wheelchairs & Special Needs

1st Advanced EMS
Provides 24/7 emergency and non-emergency medical transportation. Services include wheelchair, stretcher, and long distance transport.
723 North James Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 348-9991
1stadvems.com

AmeriKare Ambulance
Provides emergency and non-emergency transportation 24/7 in Central Ohio. Services include long-distance, wheelchair, and stretcher transport.
3877 East Livingston Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43227
(614) 626-0466
myamerikare.com

Courtesy Ambulance
Provides 24/7 emergency and non-emergency medical transportation in Licking County, Ohio. Services include wheelchair and stretcher transport.
1890 West Main Street, Newark, Ohio 43055
(740) 522-8588
courtesyambulance.com

Critical Care Transport
Provides EMS services to any patient regardless of acuity.
2936 East Fourteenth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 775-0564
criticalcaretransport.net

ValueCare Ambulance Service
Provides 24/7 emergency and non-emergency ambulance/medical transportation. Services include wheelchair and stretcher transportation. Their service area includes almost all of Ohio, and they have several locations across the state.
2572 Setter Court, Lancaster, Ohio, 43130
valuecareambulance.com

Note: CAP4Kids cannot recommend or endorse any specific company. We encourage families to carefully review and evaluate all services.



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