Hey there, Illinois veterans! Medical appointment transportation should not create more stress on top of current health and life challenges for veterans. Veterans have multiple reliable transportation choices available to them because of their specific needs regardless of service-related injuries or driving difficulties due to age or unreliable transportation methods.
VA Ride Programs That Actually Work
Let’s talk about what the VA itself offers first.
Those DAV Volunteer Drivers Are Lifesavers
The volunteer drivers from Disabled American Veterans (DAV) are truly the unsung heroes for countless Illinois veterans. These dedicated individuals generously give their time to ensure you reach your destination.
Here’s the scoop:
- It’s completely free (yes, really)
- They run Monday through Friday during normal hours
- They’ll take you to VA medical centers across Illinois
- These are regular people using DAV vehicles to help out
Need a ride? Call these actual numbers:
- Chicago (Jesse Brown VA): 312-569-6038
- Hines VA Hospital: 708-202-8387 ext. 22988
- North Chicago (Lovell Center): 224-610-3552
- Danville VA: 217-554-3000
- Marion VA: 618-997-5311
Just a heads-up: Try to call at least a week before your appointment. These services fill up fast, especially if you’re in one of the more rural parts of Illinois.
Getting Money Back for Your Travel Costs
If you’re paying out-of-pocket to get to appointments, you might be able to get that money back through the VA’s Beneficiary Travel program.
You’ll probably qualify if:
- Your service-connected disability rating is 30% or higher
- You’re seeing a doctor for a service-connected condition
- You get a VA pension
- Your income is on the lower side
- You’re heading to a C&P exam
What they’ll cover:
- Gas money (about 41.5 cents per mile right now)
- Bus or train fare
- Special transport costs if your doctor says you need it
After your appointment, swing by the travel office with proof you were there, or submit your claim online through the Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System. It’s a bit of paperwork, but hey, it’s money back in your pocket.
Illinois State Programs That Help Vets Get Around
The VA isn’t the only game in town. Our state has some decent options too.
Illinois Veterans Transportation Initiative
This state program helps vets get to medical appointments, job interviews, and other important stuff.
Give them a call at 800-437-9824 or check out www.illinois.gov/veterans for the details.
County Help (Which Varies A Lot)
Depending on which Illinois county you call home, you might have some local options:
Cook County Help
- Phone: 312-603-0777
- What they offer: Transportation vouchers and connections to local services
Lake County Support
- Phone: 847-377-3344
- What they offer: Volunteer drivers and sometimes financial help for medical rides
DuPage County Assistance
- Phone: 630-407-5655
- What they offer: Specific program for medical appointment transportation
Your Local Veterans Groups
Many VFW posts, American Legion halls, and AMVETS chapters throughout Illinois have informal networks of people willing to give you a lift:
- Call your local American Legion post – many have buddy systems for rides
- VFW posts often keep a list of volunteer drivers
- AMVETS might connect you with transportation help
Other Illinois Ride Options
- Ride Free Program: If you have a disability, you might qualify for free public transit
- Rural Transportation: Smaller communities often have specialized van services
- Senior Services: Over 65? The Illinois Department on Aging has additional options
When the official channels aren’t available (or the wait is too long):
Using Medicare Advantage for Rides
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan alongside your VA benefits, many of these plans include transportation services. Double-check your coverage – you might be sitting on a benefit you didn’t know about.
Medicaid Transportation
Enrolled in both VA healthcare and Illinois Medicaid? You can probably use the regular Medicaid transportation service. Just call First Transit at 866-503-9040.
Rideshare Options
- Some Uber Health rides can be covered through certain veteran programs
- Lyft has partnered with veteran organizations in some areas for discounted rates
- Plan way ahead: Most of these services need plenty of notice – a week isn’t too early to call.
- Save your receipts: If you’re hoping for reimbursement, you’ll need proof of everything.
- Batch your appointments: Try to schedule multiple VA appointments on the same day – it’s easier to find one ride than multiple.
- Find your local VSO: These Veterans Service Officers know all the local tricks and options.
- Consider telehealth: For follow-ups and medication checks, see if you can do a video visit instead.
If you’re struggling to get to your appointments, your first call should be to the transportation coordinator at your VA medical center. These folks know the system inside and out.
Need more help figuring out your options? Call the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs at 800-437-9824 and ask to speak with a Veterans Service Officer in your area.
You served our country – don’t miss out on your healthcare because of transportation hassles. The help is out there, even if it takes a phone call or two to connect with it.
