Use this checklist before making a decision

Find paratransit, non-emergency medical transportation, volunteer rides, transit accessibility, and realistic backup plans. A checklist cannot decide an individual case, but it can prevent missed questions, missing records, and avoidable deadlines.

Decision checklist

  • Identify the trip date, appointment time, pickup address, destination entrance, mobility device, assistance needs, and return plan.
  • Ask whether eligibility approval is required before scheduling.
  • Confirm reservation deadlines, pickup windows, cancellation rules, fares, escorts, service animals, and wheelchair securement.
  • Request written instructions for the exact pickup location at large medical facilities.
  • Keep a backup contact and enough medication, oxygen, food, water, and phone power for delays.
  • Confirm Medicaid or insurance authorization before relying on reimbursement.

Information to write down

  • The exact program, provider, company, service, product, or legal document involved.
  • The person’s state, county, ZIP code, coverage, deadlines, accessibility needs, and preferred contact method.
  • Names, dates, confirmation numbers, written notices, estimates, contracts, and appeal instructions.
  • The original source used to verify each important claim.

Questions to ask

  • Which rule or program applies to this exact situation?
  • What is the deadline, and what proves that the request was received?
  • What costs are excluded from the quoted amount?
  • What changes by state, plan, provider, or household?
  • Is there an appeal, grievance, correction, or second-review process?
  • Where is the answer published by the responsible agency?

Official sources

Related information

Within this subject: Updates and Official Changes, Official Help and Trusted Starting Points, Common Mistakes and Warning Signs, State-by-State Differences.

Also review: Affordable Senior Housing and Aging in Place, Local Senior Services, Advocates, and Benefits Counselors, Emergency Preparedness and Accessible Evacuation.

Last reviewed

This checklist was reviewed on 2026-07-30. Verify current rules before acting.