Dealing with healthcare can be stressful, and the added costs of transportation can make it even harder. If you’re wondering, “Can I Get Help With Travel Expenses?”, the answer might be yes. This article explores how transportation grants can ease the financial burden of getting to essential health-related activities.
How Transportation Grants Can Assist You
Transportation grants are designed to help individuals cover the costs of traveling to and from activities that support their overall health. If you already have an approved copay or health insurance premium grant, you may be eligible for a transportation grant. These grants typically provide a prepaid Visa debit card, often worth $500, that can be used for various transportation expenses.
The card can be used to cover expenses like gas, parking fees, public transportation, taxi fares, and even airfare in some cases.
What Travel Expenses are Covered?
These grants cover a wide range of transportation needs related to your health. You can use the grant to travel to places such as grocery stores (for healthy food), medical appointments, pharmacies, and social support activities. Here’s a breakdown of eligible expenses:
- Airfare: Tickets and associated fees.
- Car Rental: The cost of renting a car, including insurance.
- Gas: Purchases made at the fuel pump.
- Lodging: Temporary housing like hotels, if necessary for your travel.
- Non-Emergency Medical Transportation: Shuttle services.
- Parking: Fees for parking lots or meters.
- Public Transportation: Bus, metro, and train fares.
- Rideshare: Payments and fees for rideshare apps.
- Taxi: Taxi fares.
- Tolls: Electronic toll payments.
It’s crucial to remember that the grant is specifically for travel costs and cannot be used to purchase goods or other services unrelated to transportation.
What’s Not Covered By The Grant?
While transportation grants offer substantial assistance, it’s important to understand their limitations. Here’s what you cannot use the grant for:
- Concierge services
- Food or Groceries
- Gift Cards
- Mileage Reimbursement
- Non-transportation related goods or services
Any misuse of the card, such as purchasing unauthorized items like gift cards, is considered fraud and will result in immediate loss of the grant and card balance. Additionally, grants may be canceled if there’s no activity on the card for 120 days or if eligibility changes.
Eligible and Ineligible Transportation Expenses
Determining Your Eligibility for a Transportation Grant
To qualify for a transportation grant, you must meet specific requirements. These typically include:
- Having a current copay or health insurance premium grant.
- Residing and receiving treatment in the United States or U.S. territories. U.S. citizenship is not required.
- Having health insurance that covers your qualifying medication or product (requirements vary by disease fund).
- Having an income at or below 500% of the federal poverty level.
If you don’t meet these criteria due to being on a disease fund waitlist or having an expired PAN grant, you can explore other organizations listed in a transportation resources directory.
How to Apply for a Transportation Grant
Applying for a transportation grant usually involves the following steps:
- Check your eligibility on the transportation fund page of the relevant organization’s website.
- Apply online through your PAN portal account or by calling the designated phone number.
- If the fund is currently closed, add yourself to the waitlist through the website, portal, or phone.
Renewing Your Grant
If you still meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply to renew your transportation grant as your current grant period ends.
Activating and Using Your Debit Card
Once approved, you’ll receive a prepaid Visa debit card within a few weeks. You’ll need to activate the card before using it. Once activated, you can use the card anywhere Visa is accepted by swiping it as a credit card. No PIN is required, and there are no transaction fees. It’s advisable to save your receipts for potential audits.
Activating a prepaid debit card
Spending Limits
Keep in mind there is a total daily spending limit of $350 and daily category limits:
- Airfare: $300
- Car rental: $100
- Gas: $75 ($150 limit per week)
- Hotel: $300
- Parking: $50
- Rideshare: $100
Maintaining an Active Grant
To keep your transportation grant active, you must use your prepaid debit card to make a purchase for an eligible expense every 120 days during your enrollment period.
Additional Transportation Resources
Several organizations offer medical transportation services and financial assistance. These directories can help you find additional support:
- Medical Transportation Directory
- Financial Resources Directory
Other Grants Available
Beyond transportation grants, other financial assistance options may be available:
- Copay Grants: Cover out-of-pocket medication costs.
- Health Insurance Premium Grants: Pay for health insurance premiums.
- Renewal Grants: For those who still meet eligibility criteria.
Conclusion: Seeking Help with Travel Expenses
If you’re struggling with the financial burden of travel expenses related to healthcare, exploring transportation grants is a worthwhile step. By understanding the eligibility requirements, covered expenses, and application process, you can take proactive steps to access the support you need. Remember to check your eligibility and utilize available resources to maintain an active and beneficial grant. If you need help, call 1-866-316-7263 from Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET.
