Question: I recently had some physical health challenges and now my doctor is saying I should no longer drive. How am I going to get to my appointments? What about visiting my friends?
Answer: Being able to drive and having access to a vehicle is a huge staple of independence. However, it is inevitable that at some point for some reason, we may not be able to drive anymore. There are so many reasons people stop driving as they get older. Maybe they no longer trust their reaction time, have a hard time lifting their feet on and off the pedals, or even develop memory or cognitive deficits. Though this is a hard transition, the good news is that there are options!
As a first step, we always encourage folks to look at their “informal supports” such as friends, family, neighbors, church members, etc. Has anyone ever said, “Let me know if you need anything?” If so, now is the time to use their help! Relying on informal supports for transportation and rides can save you time and money in the long run.
If you are a person with Medicaid for health insurance, rides to and from medical appointments are provided at no cost. The company is called Veyo, and you can call to set up rides or set them up on their app on a smartphone or tablet. They can also provide mileage reimbursement for your informal supports who are taking you to and from medical appointments.
If you do not have Medicaid and are over 60 years old, you may be eligible for low-cost rides through Curative Connections Transportation. Curative has a fleet of both accessible and regular vehicles to provide rides to medical appointments, social activities, running errands, etc. They can provide rides to and from anywhere in Brown County for $3/one way or $6/round trip. Curative also provides rides for people with disabilities under 60 years old who cannot use regular public transit. Call (920) 227-4272 for more information.
If you are over 60 or a person under 60 with a disability, you may be eligible to use Green Bay Metro Paratransit. This program is for individuals who are unable to use regular public transit due to physical, cognitive, or mental disabilities. There is an application to fill out that can be found at ADRC or by contacting Green Bay Metro. Service area includes much of the city of Green Bay and some select surrounding areas. To apply for Paratransit services, contact ADRC for a paper application or call (920) 448-3450 for more information.
Need something more specialized? For those with higher physical needs or when the other options are unavailable, ADRC has worked with Brown County’s Mobility Manager to maintain a list of other medical transportation van services. These are typically privately paid for and can cost a bit more, but can fill gaps when needed. For additional information and help with your transportation needs, call ADRC at (920) 448-4300.
