Transportation Assistance for Single Mothers in Indiana

Where to start

Quick reference

Medical rides through Indiana Medicaid

Indiana Medicaid may cover non-emergency transportation when a member needs a ride to Medicaid-covered care and has no other transportation option. The process depends on whether the member has Traditional Medicaid or belongs to a managed-care health plan.

Traditional Medicaid uses Verida. The official Medicaid ride page says to call 855-325-7586 at least two business days before a routine appointment. The reservation line is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time.

Have the Medicaid ID, member name and date of birth, phone number, pickup address, provider address, appointment time, provider phone number, emergency contact, and any wheelchair or other access needs ready.

Traditional Medicaid generally pays for 20 one-way trips during a rolling 12-month period. A doctor may request more trips, but Verida must approve them. A pharmacy stop added on the way home from an appointment does not count as a separate trip.

For an urgent appointment that could not be planned two days ahead, Verida may arrange a shorter-notice ride after the medical provider confirms the urgent need. For a late or missing ride, call the same number and choose the “Where’s my ride?” option.

Managed-care Medicaid transportation

Members in Healthy Indiana Plan, Hoosier Healthwise, Hoosier Care Connect, or Indiana PathWays for Aging should use the transportation process for their health plan. Call the member-services number on the current plan card and ask for non-emergency medical transportation.

The current managed-care plan page lists the program helplines below. These numbers can also help when you are unsure which plan you have.

MDwise stopped being a Healthy Indiana Plan and Hoosier Healthwise option on January 1, 2026. If an old card or letter still shows MDwise, call the program helpline to confirm the current plan before scheduling a ride.

For more help with coverage and plan contacts, use the Indiana health guide.

Can a family member be paid to drive?

Traditional Medicaid members may ask to enroll a family member or close associate for mileage reimbursement. The member and driver must complete the official family driver process.

The current form asks for the member’s information, expected trip frequency, and the driver’s name and license number. Enrollment and trip approval should happen before relying on reimbursement. Keep trip records and ask Verida how mileage claims must be submitted.

Public buses, vans, and rural transit

Indiana has dozens of city and county transit systems. Some operate regular bus routes. Rural systems often use demand-response vans that must be reserved ahead of time. Use the Indiana transit directory to find the provider serving your county.

Call the local agency before planning the trip. Ask whether the service reaches your address, whether children can ride, how far ahead to reserve, whether an attendant is allowed, and whether the trip can cross county lines.

Fares can change. As of July 2026, IndyGo has new fixed-route and Access fares, so use the current fare page instead of an old screenshot or bus pass list.

ADA paratransit and disability-related rides

Public transit systems with fixed bus routes generally provide complementary ADA paratransit for people whose disability prevents them from using the regular system for some or all trips. Disability alone does not automatically qualify a rider. The decision is based on the person’s functional ability to use fixed-route transit.

The federal eligibility guide explains that the transit agency may request an application, professional information, or an in-person assessment. Ask for the application before the first needed ride because approval can take time.

If you or your child has a disability that creates a barrier to work, Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation has 25 area offices serving every county. The Vocational Rehabilitation program helps eligible people prepare for, get, keep, or advance in employment. Call 800-545-7763 and ask whether transportation is needed as part of an approved employment plan.

The disability support guide covers related benefit and caregiver paths.

Transportation for work and training

Indiana Manpower Placement and Comprehensive Training (IMPACT) serves people receiving SNAP or TANF. Its official IMPACT services page lists transportation assistance, child care assistance, work clothing, job training, and job-retention support.

Call 800-403-0864 and press 3. Explain the approved work, interview, class, or training activity and the transportation barrier. Support depends on enrollment, the activity plan, cost, and available program rules.

Use the Indiana TANF guide or Indiana SNAP guide if you still need to apply for the benefit that connects you to IMPACT.

WorkOne helps job seekers find employment and training. Use the WorkOne office finder and ask whether a program you are enrolled in has supportive-service funds for a bus pass, mileage, or another necessary work trip. Do not assume every job seeker qualifies.

In central Indiana, CIRTA Workforce Connect currently offers zero-fare connectors to Plainfield and Whitestown employment areas. Check the route, connection point, operating days, and employer location before relying on the shuttle.

Child care is often part of the transportation problem. The Indiana child care guide covers CCDF and other care support.

School transportation when housing is unstable

A child may qualify under McKinney-Vento when the family lacks a fixed, regular, adequate nighttime home. This can include a shelter, motel, car, campground, or sharing another household’s home because of lost housing or financial hardship.

The Indiana school program explains these rights. An eligible child may stay in the school of origin when that is in the child’s best interest. Transportation to the school of origin must be arranged at the parent’s or guardian’s request, including when two districts must share the responsibility.

Ask the school for its McKinney-Vento liaison. If the school says the child is not eligible, ask for the written decision and appeal information. The child should receive eligible services during the state appeal when requested.

If housing loss caused the transportation problem, use the Indiana housing guide for shelter, rent, and longer-term housing paths.

Gas cards, bus passes, and local help

There is no guaranteed statewide gas-card or car-repair benefit. Local help may come from a Community Action agency, church, school social worker, hospital, domestic violence program, township trustee, workforce program, or other 211 partner.

Ask for more than one referral because a fund can be closed, limited to one county, or restricted to medical or employment trips. The Indiana community guide lists other local starting points.

Township trustees administer local assistance using written township standards. Transportation is not a guaranteed statewide category, but a trustee may offer another basic-needs payment or referral that protects money for a necessary trip. Apply in the township where you live. An official township assistance example shows that non-emergency applications generally receive written action within 72 hours, excluding weekends and holidays. Your township’s rules and office hours may differ.

What to gather before calling

You do not need every document before asking for help. Give the deadline first, then ask what proof is required. The documents checklist can help you organize benefit papers.