SCAN offers valuable transportation benefits as part of most of its plans, designed to provide convenient and free rides to and from essential appointments and locations. This benefit ensures that getting to your necessary destinations is straightforward and stress-free. Depending on your specific SCAN plan, you are entitled to a set number of rides annually, which can be easily arranged through SCAN Transportation.
Certain SCAN plans expand this benefit further, offering the flexibility to schedule rides to crucial non-medical destinations. These can include trips to the grocery store for essential supplies, senior centers for social engagement, or even the gym to maintain physical health, especially beneficial if you are managing chronic conditions. To understand the full scope of your plan’s transportation benefits, including eligibility for trips to non-medical locations and the number of trips available, it’s best to consult your Evidence of Coverage document or reach out to SCAN Member Services directly. They can provide personalized details about your benefits.
Arranging your transportation with SCAN is a simple, three-step process:
Step 1: Gather Your Ride Details
Before contacting SCAN Transportation, ensure you have all the necessary information prepared. This will streamline the booking process and ensure accuracy:
- Pickup and Drop-off Addresses: Have the complete and exact addresses for both your starting point and destination ready.
- Appointment Time: Know the precise time you need to arrive at your destination. SCAN Transportation schedules pickups approximately one hour prior to your appointment time to ensure timely arrival.
- Companions: Determine if a caregiver or another individual will be accompanying you. Inform SCAN Transportation if you will have a companion riding with you.
- Special Needs: Communicate any specific needs you might have. This includes the use of mobility aids such as a wheelchair, walker, or cane. This ensures the appropriate vehicle and assistance are arranged for your comfort and safety.
- Return Trip Planning: Decide on your return trip time. If your return time is uncertain, selecting “will-call” for your return is advisable. This option allows you to call for your ride back when you are ready to be picked up, offering flexibility.
- Recurring Rides: If your transportation need is regular, such as for ongoing therapy or appointments, be prepared to discuss setting up recurring ride schedules for added convenience.
Step 2: Schedule Your Ride with SCAN Transportation
Once you have gathered all the necessary details, contact SCAN Transportation to book your ride.
Call SCAN Transportation at 1-844-714-2218 (TTY: 711) to schedule your transportation.
It’s important to note the lead time required for booking:
- Regular Rides: Reservations must be made at least 24 business hours before your scheduled pickup time.
- Wheelchair Accessible Rides: If you require a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, reservations need to be made 48 business hours in advance.
When planning your ride, remember that weekends are not considered business days for scheduling purposes. For instance, if you need a ride for a Monday 9:00 AM appointment, you must book by 9:00 AM the preceding Friday. For wheelchair-accessible transport for the same Monday appointment, booking is required by 9:00 AM the Thursday before. The SCAN Transportation reservation center operates from Monday through Friday, so ensure all bookings are made within this timeframe.
Step 3: Be Ready for Your Ride
When the scheduled time for your pickup approaches, please wait at the curb in front of the address you provided during booking.
The driver is instructed to pick you up at the curb for standard service. If you require the driver to meet you directly at your door, it is crucial to specify this need to the SCAN Transportation representative when you are making your initial reservation. This ensures the driver can provide the appropriate level of assistance from the moment of arrival.
While SCAN provides this excellent transportation benefit, it’s important to understand that it is a scheduled service and may not operate exactly like on-demand ride services such as Uber or Lyft. SCAN Transportation utilizes a network of transportation providers to ensure reliable and appropriate service for its members. For SCAN members, this benefit offers a dedicated and often more suitable transportation solution tailored to healthcare and senior care needs, contrasting with the general public transportation focus of services like Uber. Always prioritize using your SCAN transportation benefit for eligible rides to maximize your plan advantages.
