Transportation
MN Healthcare Programs (MHCP) covers nonemergency medical transportation (NEMT) and other related travel expenses when the services are necessary to enable a member to obtain a covered health service from a participating provider. Members can utilize the MHCP Provider Directory to search for Transportation Services in their area.
Here are some resources to help people get to places. For additional transportation services and information contact your local county agency or tribe.
For resources to pay for transportation visit Health care coverage and Economic assistance pages.
Metro Mobility
Metro Mobility is a shared ride public transportation service for certified riders (defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act) who are unable to use regular fixed-route buses due to disability or a health condition. This service is available in the Twin Cities metro area. Trips are provided for any purpose.
Minnesota Transportation Programs for Medical Assistance Recipients
MTM coordinates non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for fee-for-service Medical Assistance recipients in the Metro Twin City area through a contract with the Metro County Consortium (MCC). MTM arranges transportation for recipients to help them get to their medical appointments at clinics and urgent care facilities in lieu of using costly emergency room services.
Greater Minnesota statewide transit is available in some parts of Minnesota. MNDOT has an interactive map to help families locate the transportation options in their communities.
Help at the Airport for Children with Special Needs
MetroTransit
MetroTransit has a program for people with limited mobility. It offers discounted transit fares to encourage customers who have a qualifying disability to use buses, trains and other transit services.
Driver's Training Resources
Minnesota Department of Public Safety has a driving assessment that evaluates a person's ability to drive a car. A request form (PDF) is available online. You can also use this form (PDF) to add autism or a mental health indicator to your driver’s license.
Adaptive Experts offers driver evaluations and trainings for people with disabilities.
Allina Health offers driver’s training and assessments in different locations across the state.
If you can’t find an assessment location near you, ask your primary care doctor for a referral or consult with an occupational therapist.
Seat Belts and Car Seats
MN Department of Public Safety resources
MN Department of Public Safety and the Office of Traffic Safety have resources on seat belts and car seats, including laws and steps to properly secure people in motor vehicles. They also have a Guide for Choosing the Right Child Safety Restraint and Instructions for Correct Use (PDF).
In Minnesota, children are required by law to be in a child car seat or booster seat until age 8. Over the age of 8, everyone is required to wear a seat belt while in a motor vehicle. If you are unsure if you child’s car seat is installed correctly, you can visit one of the Car Seat Inspection Station Locations in MN (PDF). The professionals at these locations can also help identify safe and approved resources to prevent you child from unbuckling in their car seat.
American Academy of Pediatrics
American Academy of Pediatrics Conventional Car Seat Product Listing – Includes weight and height limits, pricing, and is separated by Rear-Facing Only Seats, Convertible Seats (All-in-One Seats) Combination Seats, and Belt-Positioning Booster Seats, Travel Vests, and Other Seats.
Safe Kids Worldwide resources
Safe Kids Worldwide has an Ultimate Car Seat Guide that includes information on buying, installing and changing your child’s car seat.
Specialty or adaptive transportation needs
Individuals with specialized health care needs should have access to proper resources for safe transportation. Conventional restraints may be used if compatible with the person’s needs. If a conventional safety seat or restraint does not meet the person’s needs, several options are available.
This may include working with an occupational therapist, behavioral therapist or other professional to help find options that meet their needs and don’t interfere with medical or sensory sensitives. It may also involve specialty or adaptive restraints. These are often ordered through a local durable medical equipment vendor or in some cases ordered directly from the manufacturer. National Center for the Safe Transportation of Children with Special Health Care Needs Brochure (Inside) – Includes images and information on available adaptive restraints.
Preventinjury.org Automotive Safety Program has several resources for Adaptive Transportation. If you would like additional information or are interested in training opportunities, please contact the National Center for the Safe Transportation of Children with Special Health Care Needs at 1-800-755-0912.
Adaptive restraint loan programs are available through some hospitals, local Easter Seal affiliates, health departments, and Safe Kids coalitions. Third-party payers, including Medicaid, may cover the cost of adaptive restraints when sufficient documentation of medical necessity is provided. Contact your Medicaid health plan member services or other insurance provider for more information.
Emergency / Caretaker Form
If you are a caregiver of someone with autism or a mental health condition, you can opt in by filling out a form with your name, emergency contact information and the names of those for whom you are a caregiver. There is no charge. By providing this information on your driving record, emergency personnel and first responders will be alerted that someone in your care may need help.
Source: Minnesota Autism Resource Portal