Volunteer Driver Program

Semcac’s Volunteer Driver Program provides transportation for persons age 60 and over and Medical Assistance, Blue Plus and UCare clients to medical and dental appointments. Those age 60 and over may also receive rides for personal appointments and senior congregate dining.

48-hour advance notice is required for all rides. The Volunteer Driver Program tries to fill every ride request, but occasionally the demand for rides exceeds the supply of volunteer drivers.

Donation-Based Rides

Persons age 60 and over should call their county’s dispatching service listed below.

• Clients receive a monthly letter requesting a donation for the cost of their rides. The requested donation is $4.00 per trip to cover the booking of the ride and a per mile rate to reimburse the volunteer driver.
• Please leave a message on the dispatcher’s voicemail if you get the answering service.
• Rides are confirmed no later than 3:00 p.m. the day before the requested ride. Persons requesting rides that cannot be arranged will be notified by 3:00 p.m. the day before the requested ride.

Medical Assistance, Blue Plus or UCare Rides

• Medical Assistance, Blue Plus or UCare clients should call the provider’s number on the back of their benefit cards for authorization. The provider then forwards the ride information to Semcac upon authorization.
• Rides are confirmed no later than 3:00 p.m. the day before the requested ride. Persons requesting rides that cannot be arranged will be notified by 3:00 p.m. the day before the requested ride.

Volunteers are needed for this vital service!

Volunteer drivers are men and women willing to share their time and vehicle to help meet the transportation needs of their community. Qualifications include: a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, a good driving record, and must be age 21 or over.

Based on their preference, the volunteers may provide local trips close to their communities or long-distance trips to Rochester, La Crosse, Faribault and Minneapolis.

Benefits of being a volunteer driver include the following:

• Personal satisfaction of helping others
• $0.555 per mile (Federal IRS rate) reimbursed when a passenger is in the vehicle. The reimbursement for miles when a passenger is not in the vehicle may vary by county for Medical Assistance rides.
• Parking and meal expense reimbursement as allowed
• Training opportunities
• Set your own schedule and destinations

To learn more