Senior Programs

Transportation

Schedule a Ride

  • Mon–Fri: 8am–4:30pm

  • (800) 528-7622
    Select Option 2

  • Email

  • Jessica Schwering
    Operations Manager
    Volunteer Driver Program/ Care a van

Become a Volunteer Driver
Volunteer Driver Program

Serving Dodge, Fillmore, Houston, Steele, Waseca & Winona County

Semcac’s Volunteer Driver Program provides transportation for persons age 60 and over and Medical Assistance, Blue Plus, Medica, South Country and UCare clients to medical and dental appointments. Due to increased demand for medical transportation and fewer volunteer drivers, rides for health care related appointments are given priority over rides for personal appointments.

48-hour advance notice is recommended 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

  • Clients receive a monthly letter requesting a donation for the cost of their rides. The requested donation is income based.
  • 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.

Blue Plus, UCare, South Country & Medica Clients

  • Medica, South Country, Blue Plus and 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 willing to share their time and vehicle to help meet the transportation needs of others in 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
  • 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
Listen to the audio below to learn more!

FAQs

Just call 1-800-528-7622 and speak with a dispatcher to get enrolled and to see if you qualify.

We will transport you to any appointment that has been approved by the county, or through your insurance.

We will do our best to transport you to all of your medical appointments.

Unfortunately, since this is a volunteer based service, we do not have vehicles that are able to accommodate wheelchairs. Volunteers use their own personal vehicles to provide this service.  However, if you are able to transfer from the wheelchair to the car with little to no help, we can provide you with a ride. If you are not able to do so, please contact us to schedule a ride using our public transportation buses, Rolling Hills Transit.  All of the Rolling Hills Transit buses are wheelchair accessible.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering to give rides! Please call Jessica at 507-634-4490.

If you cannot reach Jessica, please call 1-800-528-7622

YES you do! You decide which days and times you would like to drive. You also decide where you are able to drive to and where you are not comfortable going/driving. We work with your schedule.

You are reimbursed for your mileage and for parking fees. You may also get reimbursed for meals if they fall within the guidelines. We hold a recognition event for all volunteer drivers at the end of the year. We celebrate your hard work and dedication throughout the year.