The Senior MedExpress Transportation service, provided by Yellow Cab in partnership with the Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL), offers essential non-emergency transportation to life-sustaining medical appointments and appointments for health-related public benefits.
One of our Village members who has used the service had this to say about her experience:
“The program served me wonderfully when I needed to go to critical chemotherapy appointments. Senior MedExpress contracts with YellowCab to provide "authorized" transportation. Yellow Cab provides transportation to and from the hospital/medical facility. To the extent possible, notify the cab 2 days in advance. Yellow Cab will try to accommodate less than 2-day notification. No cost, although I always gave a gratuity.”
Here's a simplified guide to applying for and using Senior MedExpress Services:
Who’s Eligible?
DC residents aged 60 and above with medical conditions requiring essential appointments like chemotherapy, dialysis, or who have appointments for health-related public benefits at the Department on Disability Services (DDS), Medicaid (Department of Human Services, Economic Security Administration), or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), qualify for this free service. Current Medicaid clients do not need to enroll in this program; they may call Medical Transportation Management (MTM) directly at 1-866-796-0601 to schedule a ride.
How to Enroll
Call 202-724-5626 between 8:30 am to 4:30 pm to enroll with a DACL customer service representative. Or, click here to access application forms. You'll need to provide proof of age, DC residency, and medical necessity*. Proving medical necessity means that your medical provider needs to complete this form.
*Applicants enrolling only for transportation to public benefits do not need to prove medical necessity.
Booking a Ride
Dial 202-420-7533. Press 1 for a new ride or to check the status of an existing one. You can either request immediate pick-up or schedule trips in advance. If you're unsure of the return time, call when you're ready. The regular hours of service are 6:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays. There is no service on Sunday.
Trip Dispatch & Monitoring
Once your ride request is in, the closest available cab will be promptly dispatched. You'll receive a text with a tracking link on your smartphone. All trips are GPS-tracked and monitored for exceptions by the dispatch team.
Wait Time
Drivers are expected to wait at least ten minutes after arrival. If you need more time, call 202-420-7533. The goal is to pick you up within 30 minutes for immediate trips and 100% on-time for pre-booked trips.
Checking Ride Status
Call 202-420-7533, select option 1, and inform the operator you're checking the ride status. They will look it up using your telephone number, your name, or pick-up address.
Complaints/Comments
For complaints or comments, call 202-544-1214 or 202-420-7533, select option 2.The Customer Service team will prepare an Incident Report for follow-up.
“I recommend anyone seeking alternate transportation options to apply for this service!” - Village member
For more detailed information on how to enroll and how to use this service, click here. If you’ve used Senior Medical Express and have feedback you’d like to us to share in this newsletter, please e-mail the Village office.
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