Avera public transportation offers services to Medicaid patients

Avera Public Transportation contracts with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to provide rides for approved non-emergency medical appointments to those eligible for Medicaid.

Drivers take patients, who live approximately 75 miles from O'Neill, to health care destinations, including appointments in Norfolk, Yankton, Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, Kearney,Sioux Falls and Sioux City, as well as others.

Medicaid-eligible riders need to contact their insurance providers for more information on how to request rides.

"The town would be lost without this service. There was no other way I could have gotten to out-of-town appointments," said G.M., a rider who has used the service to travel from O'Neill to Norfolk dozens of times. Another client, D.A., who has used Avera Public Transportation to travel from Butte to O'Neill and Norfolk, noted how easy it is to schedule rides.

"There are such nice drivers who are very helpful and accommodating," added K.F., who has utilized the service to travel from O'Neill to Omaha. "They are always willing to stop on long trips, if needed. I would not be able to make appointments in Omaha without this service." Eligible appointments include medical, dental, vision, physical therapy, counseling and other services. The public transportation service runs 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with adjustable hours to accommodate scheduled appointment times.

The phone number to schedule a trip can be found on the Medicaid card or the service can be contacted at 402-336-5176.