Medical Transportation

[Caffarello]

Does anyone know if there is a medi-car that can take an MS person to hospital appointments?  I know I've seen vans that roll the wheelchair right in and transport people but I never really paid attention until my friend told me about her niece who can't get to her appointments.  She's too heavy for her dad to lift her (he's 75 years old).  I would appreciate any information you can give me.  We are in Chicago, Illinois.

Thanks

[pennst8r]

Here's the # for the medical programs bureau for Ill. is 217-782-2570. This is a main #, so your friend will need to explain the situation & what the needs are (free/ low cost wheelchair transportation to and from medical appts).

In my state, if a person does not have medical assistance, they can still use paratransit, but would have to purchase tickets. Here there is an application process to determine need and eligibility, but they will come to the home to pick the person up for the evaluation.

Hope this helps. I may be able to find more info Tuesday when I'm back at the office.

Penn

[pennst8r]

In my state. if someone has medical assistance, they can register for medical assistance transportation program - basically Access but free for medical appts. and therapies. That may be the vans you've seen. Not sure what it would be called in Ill. but would be glad to look it up. What a great friend you are!

Penn

[Jenn0030]

I am not sure if this is true for all chapters of the red cross but I know that the ones locally offer transpotartion for medical appointments.  They require 48 notice in advance but are wonderfully helpful and very nice to the patients that I work with.

[monotreme]

I have a friend in NJ that has MS and the MS Society has a van to help transport MS patients.  You can check your local MS Society office.
Elaine