1. Rides from Family or Friends

Whenever possible, patients are encouraged to ask a family member, friend, or caregiver for a ride.

This option is often:

• The easiest and most flexible
• Helpful when a patient needs assistance during their visit
• Best for follow-up or longer appointments

2. Insurance Transportation (Medicaid Members)

Many Iowa Medicaid members qualify for free transportation to medical appointments through their insurance benefits.

Transportation may include:

• Bus passes
• Car or taxi rides
• Van transportation
• Wheelchair-accessible vehicles

Eligible members may include:

• Traditional Medicaid (Fee-for-Service)
• Iowa Health and Wellness Plan (Medically Exempt members)
• Medicaid Waiver members:
  
  • Intellectual Disability Waiver
  • Elderly Waiver
  • Brain Injury Waiver
  • Physical Disability Waiver
  • Children’s Waivers

     

MCO Transportation Scheduling

• Fee-for-Service (Traditional Medicaid / MTM): 1-866-572-7662 (TTY: 711)
• Iowa Total Care: 1-877-271-4819
• Molina Healthcare: 1-866-849-2062
• Wellpoint: 1-844-544-1389

Important: Rides should be scheduled at least 2 business days before your appointment.

What you’ll need when scheduling:

• Full name and date of birth
• Medicaid ID number
• Address and phone number
• Appointment date, time, and location

   

Medicaid Mileage Reimbursement

Some patients may qualify for reimbursement for driving to appointments.

Steps:

1. Call MTM at (888) 513-0703 before or on the day of your appointment to request a trip and receive a trip number.
2. Complete a Trip Log for each appointment.
3. Ensure your driver is registered with MTM (valid license and insurance required).
4. Submit your Trip Log within 120 days.
5. Have your Trip Log signed by clinic staff at your visit.
6. Keep a copy for your records.

Trip Log Form

3. Cedar Rapids City Bus

The Cedar Rapids Transit system provides affordable transportation throughout the city.

Benefits:

• Low-cost fares
• Multiple routes across Cedar Rapids
• Access near the Medical District

Phone: 319-286-5573
Website

who need assistance getting to or from appointments.

4. Free Bus Passes

Some Cedar Rapids residents may qualify for free bus rides.

You may qualify if you are:

• Low-income (up to 160% of federal poverty level)
• Receiving Medicaid, SNAP, FIP, Section 8, or LIHEAP
• A senior age 65+
• A person with a disability (with proper documentation or Free Fare ID)
• A Medicare recipient (with card)
• A student (with school ID)
• A child age 12 or under

Applications may be completed through IowaWORKS.

5. LIFTS (ADA Paratransit Service)

LIFTS provides door-to-door transportation for individuals unable to use the city bus due to a disability.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Advance reservations required
• Available in Cedar Rapids, Marion, and Hiawatha

Phone: 319-892-5170
Website

6. CorridorRides (Rural Dial-A-Ride)

CorridorRides assists patients living outside Cedar Rapids with transportation to medical appointments.

• Serves surrounding Eastern Iowa communities
• Requires advance scheduling
• Supports rural-to-medical transportation needs

Website

7. Uber Health (Limited Use)

In limited situations, EIHC may arrange Uber Health transportation when other options are not available.

This may include:

• Hospital follow-ups
• Newborn or postpartum visits
• Pediatric appointments
• Same-day multiple appointments

Availability is limited and based on eligibility.

Additional Transportation Help

If you are unsure which option to use, call:

211 Iowa
Dial: 211

Linn County Transportation Resource Guide