SEUALG Press Release
For people who don’t or can’t drive, getting to or from medical appointments in southeastern Utah can be a difficult problem to solve. This is especially true when the commitment is far away.
A program offered by the Southeastern Utah Association of Local Governments can solve some of the cost problems of being transported both locally and regionally. It is known as the Medical Voucher Program and those who qualify can get up to 40 cents per mile for approved transport. In addition, 60 cents per mile can be paid if the driver is transporting more than one person that is eligible for the voucher program.
To qualify, a person must not be able to drive, either legally or physically, and they must also fall into one of three categories:
- They must be considered as low-income individuals based on federal guidelines (Individuals cannot make more that $12,00 per year, couples cannot make more than $16,000 per year, families with three cannot make more than $20,000 per year and families of four cannot make more than $24,00 per year.)
- The person must be over 60 years old (non-drivers only).
- The person must be disabled and cannot drive themselves.
The program pays for mileage both ways to and from medical appointments. The program can compensate drivers who transport people for such things as standard medical appointments (non-emergency), dental appointments, mental health or rehabilitation services, or even to pick up prescriptions. All transport must involve the person who is the applicant being taken to a service provider. This also applies to children whose guardian or parents cannot drive.
Those who apply are obligated to find their own driver. That can be a service, a friend, a person from their church, a relative, etc. Drivers must be 18 years old or older, have a good driving record and have insurance on their vehicle. Each trip must be submitted separately and payment will be made directly to the driver, not to the person being transported. Once submitted, a check will be mailed to the driver within six to eight weeks.
This program applies to anyone who qualifies that lives within Carbon, Emery, San Juan or Grand counties.
For more information and to obtain applications for the program, call Jade Powell at (435) 613-0022 or contact him by email at jpowell@seualg.utah.gov.