As we get older, living independently often means having accessible transportation. Having accessible transportation is about more than just convenience—it’s also essential to maintaining our health and well-being.

Reliable transportation ensures we can keep on top of our health care needs and stay engaged with our communities: whether we’re going to doctor’s appointments, meeting a friend for lunch, or just running errands.

For many of us, family caregivers help manage the task. According to the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC), as many as 80% of them drive us around when we need it.¹ But the unacknowledged burden can be significant for both.

“Many caregivers have other responsibilities—jobs, spouses, children, community involvement. Dropping everything to bring us where we need to go can take time away from those things and sometimes cause resentment,” explained Gretchen Dueñas-Tanbonliong, MS, MPH, RDN, Associate Director of Health and Wellness at NCOA. “On the flip side, when caregivers can’t be available, it limits where we can go and when. That impacts our quality of life, too.” 

Public transportation can fill some gaps, but not all of us live near accessible routes or buses. That’s where networked transportation (more commonly called “rideshare” or “shared ride services”) comes in. But is it affordable? And can you get help paying for it?

Some Medicare Advantage plans cover transportation benefits that can be used for eligible rides through services like Uber and Lyft. Coverage varies by plan, so it's important to check your benefits before scheduling a ride. Let's take a look.

Does Medicare cover rideshare services like Uber and Lyft?

Yes, with caveats.

But the quick answer:

• Original Medicare generally does not cover rideshare services.
• Some Medicare Advantage plans include transportation benefits.
• Eligible plans may provide a flex card or transportation allowance.
• Benefits can often be used for medical appointments and other approved destinations.

In 2020, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) gave Medicare Advantage plans the ability to provide expanded transportation benefits for preventive and wellness services. This means that enrollees in plans that offer these benefits can use them toward trips to the grocery store and other health-related destinations.

If you have Medicare Advantage (Part C), your coverage documents or plan administrator can help you determine whether it includes expanded transportation benefits. If so, you may be able to add your health benefits card (or flex card) to popular rideshare apps and use it to pay for eligible rides. 

The flex card works like a pre-loaded debit card. Typically, plan members receive anywhere from $60 to $2,000 each year to spend on approved benefits.²

What are rideshare services and how do they benefit older adults?

With a rideshare service (Lyft and Uber are two popular ones), you request and pay for rides using a mobile app.

“They’re the modern equivalent of a local taxi company,” Dueñas-Tanbonliong said. “But instead of relying on a small fleet of cars driven by a few people, rideshare taps into an unlimited number of drivers who have registered with the service.”

You can use this service to get to and from medical appointments, visit friends or family, or attend activities at your local senior center.

Below are five key advantages to rideshare services:

1. Convenience: Rideshares are available at the touch of a button on your smartphone. You can get where you need to go without waiting for a bus or being on someone else’s schedule.
2. Accessibility: Rideshare drivers pick you up at your home and take you to your destination, which is especially helpful if you have mobility challenges. Depending on where you live, some service providers even allow you to request wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Two leading companies, Lyft and Uber, profess a commitment to accessibility. Look for “assisted ride” (or similar) options to be paired with a driver who can help with walkers, canes, folding wheelchairs, or other assistive devices.
3. Real-time updates: Rideshare apps provide live updates to keep you informed. Knowing exactly when your ride will arrive can help you plan and have more peace of mind.
4. Affordability: Rideshare services are often a cost-effective option for everyday trips around town—especially if you can use your Medicare Advantage flex card funds for qualifying rides.
5. Safety: Most rideshare companies, like Uber, prescreen their drivers, and generally perform repeat screenings on a regular basis. Features like real-time GPS tracking and in-app emergency buttons add another layer of reassurance for older adults.

How do rideshare services work with my flex card?

Rideshare companies allow you to create an account and schedule rides on your smartphone at your convenience. The fare is usually calculated up front and will vary based on the time of day and distance you travel. Other factors also affect fare, such as when there are more riders than available rideshare drivers on the road.

While rideshare requests can be made easily through the company’s app, you don’t need to use an app to request a ride. Often, you can book rides and use your flex card by calling a toll-free phone number instead. Check in-app or on the company's web site for contact information. 

Make the most of your flex card benefits

Rideshare services, paired with your Medicare Advantage flex card, can help you keep important health-related appointments without relying on someone else to drive you. Depending on your plan’s benefits, rideshare can even make it easier to get to and from the grocery store or pharmacy.

What should you do next?

• If you already have a Medicare Advantage flex card that offers rideshare benefits, learn how to use ythem for qualifying rides. Check the company's website or FAQ page or guidance on how to add your flex card as a payment option, and what restrictions (if any) apply. 
• If you’re considering a Medicare Advantage plan, make sure it offers a health benefits card with transportation benefits—and that you qualify for it. Some flex cards are only available to people living in certain states or those with specific chronic health conditions.

How do I know which Medicare plan is best for me?

Not all Medicare coverage works the same when it comes to transportation benefits. The comparison below highlights the key differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.

If you have questions about Medicare or need help comparing your coverage options, call NCOA's Benefits Helpline at 1-800-794-6559 to speak with a benefits counselor who can help you understand your options and connect you with resources that meet your needs. You can also contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP) or free, unbiased Medicare counseling and personalized assistance.

Sources

1.  National Aging and Disability Transportation Center. Transportation: The Missing Link in Family Caregiver Support. April 22, 2025. Found on the internet at https://www.nadtc.org/resources-publications/resource/transportation-the-missing-link-in-family-caregiver-support/

2.  Nerdwallet. What Is the Medicare Flex Card? Jan. 8, 2024. Found on the Internet at https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/medicare/medicare-flex-card