Medical Transportation Program

OCCOA's Medical Transportation Program offers rides to Otsego County older adults for medical appointments, including those to doctors, labs, dentists, eye care practioners, and pharmacies.  Rides are provided free of charge by Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) volunteers on an as-needed basis.  Those willing to utilize the Otsego County Bus System may obtain free bus tokens from OCCOA for appointments scheduled in Otsego County.

Who qualifies for the program?

The program is limited to Otsego County residents and is targeted toward those who are 60 years of age or older.


To what locations are rides available?

Availability of rides is based on volunteer availability.  Most drivers provide rides to local appointments in Gaylord.  There are others who are willing to drive to other locations, including Petoskey, Traverse City, Grand Rapids, Midland/Saginaw/Bay City, Ann Arbor, and Detroit.

How soon do I need to call to schedule a ride?

If possible, OCCOA would like at least one week's notice.   

Are the rides provided by volunteer drivers guaranteed?

Because the program is volunteer-based, OCCOA cannot guarantee that an RSVP driver will be available when you need them.  However, approximately 75% of requests are filled.  The sooner you submit your request for a ride, the more likely a driver will be able to drive you.

What information will I need to provide when submitting a request?

When scheduling a ride for the first time, you will need to verify your age and county residency.  If you are a veteran, please let us know, as a separate ride program is available through the Veteran's Administration.  Please also be prepared to provide the following information:

• Your name
• Street address
• City of residence
• Phone number
• Date of appointment
• Time of appointment
• Name of doctor or facility
• Address of doctor or facility
• Phone number of doctor or facility
• Time that you would like to be picked up
• Expected length of appointment (If you do not know, please contact your doctor for an estimate)
• Special needs for which the volunteer should be aware (are you blind, have difficulties walking, etc.?)

Are there any limitations to the program?

You will need to be able to get in and out of the volunteer's vehicle with limited assistance.  If you need to be lifted in and out of the volunteer's vehicle, please arrange for a family member or friend to help you. You will need to arrange for similar assistance at the facility to which you are traveling. 

May a family member or friend come with me?

If your family member or friend is not able to drive you to your appointment but would still like to come with you, they are welcome to come, too.  Please let us know when submitting your ride request that you will be bringing someone with you.

Will I still be able to get a ride if the weather is bad?

Sometimes winter driving conditions are so poor that rides need to be cancelled.  It is important that both you and the volunteer driver are safe driving to your appointnment.  If driving conditions are poor, you or the driver may elect to cancel your ride.  If the driver doesn't feel safe on the road, he or she will contact you.  If you feel unsafe, please contact OCCOA.  If the agency is closed due to poor weather conditions, programs will be cancelled for that day, including the Medical Tranporation Program.  If this occurs, you will be contacted by a staff member and encouraged to contact your doctor to reschedule your appointment.  If you do reschedule, you will need to contact OCCOA on the next business day to submit your request for another driver.

How do I schedule a ride?

To schedule a ride, please call OCCOA at (989) 732-1122 during the business hours posted on this website.  A customer service representative will be happy to take your request.

How will I be notified that a volunteer has been found?

You will be contacted by an OCCOA customer service representative when a driver has been scheduled.  You will also be contacted by the volunteer driver sometime before your appointment. 

What if I need to cancel my appointment?

Please contact OCCOA as soon as possible to let an OCCOA customer service representative know.  She will notify the volunteer driver.