Filling the Gaps

Two of our Crisis Programs focus on transportation needs. They are called “Medical Mileage Reimbursement Program” and “Mobility Management Program.”

Let’s start with the Medical Mileage Reimbursement Program! It is offered in the counties of Marinette and Oconto, is intended for those recipients who are unable to take other transportation services that are offered in the area. Applicants must have explored all other options available to them before they are considered for the program. MMRP can offer a reimbursement rate of $0.30 per mile for those who drive participants for pre-approved medical mileage. It is available to those whose family income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. If you believe this fits you click here.

Next is the Mobility Management Program, also offered in the Marinette and Oconto counties, is a coordinated community-wide transportation service network. The Mobility Manager assists elderly and disabled individuals in finding the transportation resources available to them. The Mobility Manager coordinates services through partnerships with other agencies. This program has the same eligibility requirements as MMRP, which is family income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. If you believe this fits you click here.

To tell you a little bit more about these two programs and their impact on making a difference and filling the gaps, here is Peggy Zielinski, Transportation Director at Newcap, Inc.

“Most of us love to wake up to our country lifestyle here in Northern Wisconsin, but we have to admit there are some drawbacks. One of those drawbacks is transportation. We can’t just walk a “block” to catch the bus to go to the store or our doctor’s office. We have to start the car, let it warm up (5 months out of the year), get behind the wheel and drive 15 minutes just to get some milk! I drive 40 minutes to get to work each morning and 40 minutes to get home each night. I live the challenge! Unlike some, I have a reliable car, with good tires and usually a tank of gas. I am lucky.

As Newcap’s Mobility Manager, I work to minimize the transportation challenges in our area and help navigate residents to the resources that are available. We have limited options because of limited funding. There are some transportation services that are offered through out aging unit agencies (Marinette County Elderly Services and Oconto County Commission on Aging). These agencies work hard to help make transportation services available to elderly and disabled residents. By working together with area transportation providers and the members of the Northeast Wisconsin Transportation Committee (NEWTC), Newcap has developed additional transportation programs to assist residents.

Each of these programs where developed to fill a need in our area. The transportation needs are many and the resources are few. The Mobility Manager works to make sure residents can find the transportation resources when they are in need. An example of a transportation resource that is available, but not well known, is MTM. Medicaid provides transportation for participants, but they do not advertise the service. They are paid by the State of Wisconsin to provide rides.

Who knew. . . . . ? Contact Newcap at 1.800.242.7334.”

-Peggy Zielinski, Transportation Director