Rural Mobility Access Program – FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to your questions about the TRIP program and eligibility.

General Questions

TRIP is a mileage reimbursement program designed to help eligible individuals access essential services such as medical care and wellness services, prescriptions, food access when no other transportation reimbursement option is available.

Individuals who need transportation assistance and do not have access to another transportation reimbursement program may be eligible. A brief intake process is required to determine eligibility and the Mobility Navigator will provide a voucher number.

You may qualify if you live in the SORTPO service area, need transportation assistance for an eligible trip, have access to a vehicle or driver, and are not receiving transportation reimbursement through another program for the same trip. A Mobility Navigator can help determine eligibility.

Yes. TRIP currently serves residents of Beckham, Caddo, Comanche (excluding the City of Lawton), Cotton, Custer, Grady, Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Jefferson, Kiowa, McClain, Roger Mills, Stephens, Tillman, and Washita Counties.

No. However, you will be asked about your insurance coverage to determine whether another transportation benefit may already be available to you.

Yes. Medicare recipients may be eligible if they do not have another transportation reimbursement benefit available for the trip.

Yes. Having private insurance does not automatically disqualify you from participating.

No. TRIP does not require financial information or income verification. However, participants must attest that transportation costs create a hardship or that they lack funds for the trip.

Yes. Minors may participate in the program but only when accompanied by an adult.

*NOTE: the mobility navigator will still need to know the health insurance and other pertinent information of the child to ensure this trip is not covered under another mileage reimbursement program like Medicaid.  The intake will be under the parent’s name, and the mobility navigator will make note of this on the intake.

Yes. Emancipated teens may be eligible for the program.

Yes.  However, we do not provide transportation, so the individual would need to have appropriate resources to get them to TRIP approved destinations.

You will be asked for basic information such as your contact information, insurance coverage, trip destination, trip purpose, and transportation arrangements. Financial account information is not required.

Yes. Information collected is used only to determine eligibility and administer the transportation assistance program.

Caddo, Cotton, Grady, Jefferson, McClain, and Stephens

Kendra Dilbeck

Phone: (580) 562-5036

Email: navigatorsc@swoda.org

Comanche (excluding Lawton), Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Kiowa, and Tillman

Delaney Berfield

Phone: (580) 562-5033

Email: navigatorw@swoda.org

Beckham, Custer, Roger Mills, and Washita

 

Jeff Johnson

Phone: (580) 562-5038

Email: navigatornw@swoda.org

TRIP provides mileage reimbursement for approved trips. Tax treatment may vary depending on an individual’s circumstances and applicable tax laws. Participants are responsible for consulting their tax advisor, accountant, or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding any questions about tax reporting requirements. If reporting is required under applicable laws or regulations, participants will be provided the appropriate documentation.

Contact your local Mobility Navigator to complete a short intake and determine eligibility.

Trip Approval Questions

Yes. A voucher number must be assigned before travel occurs. Trips without prior approval are not eligible for reimbursement.

A voucher number is the authorization number assigned by a Mobility Navigator that allows a trip to be reimbursed.

No. Trips must be approved and assigned a voucher number before travel begins.

Yes. Certain recurring appointments may be approved with a recurring voucher number and expiration date.

Yes. Multiple approved destinations is encouraged can be included on a single intake and voucher when arranged in advance with a Mobility Navigator.

Drivers & Reimbursements

Yes. If another person drives you, reimbursement is paid to the driver.

The reimbursement is issued to the driver.

Yes. Multiple passengers traveling together can be included on one trip. A separate intake is required for each participant. However, reimbursement is not made for each participant. Total mileage is reimbursed.

Yes. Nonprofit organizations may transport multiple eligible clients and receive reimbursement according to program guidelines. Reimbursement is not made for each participant. Total mileage is reimbursed.

Round-trip mileage must be documented and submitted for reimbursement.

Completed reimbursement forms may be mailed, emailed, or submitted according to instructions provided by your Mobility Navigator.

Payments are typically processed within 7–10 business days after all required paperwork is received and verified.

The reimbursement is issued to the driver of the vehicle.

No special driver’s license or vehicle equipment is generally required for mileage reimbursement.

Approved trips are reimbursed at the current program mileage rate. Contact your Mobility Navigator for the current rate and reimbursement procedures.

Generally, reimbursement is available for up to four grocery trips per household per calendar month. Exceptions may be considered based on individual circumstances.

Situations such as lack of refrigeration, unique medical needs, or other hardships may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Yes. Reimbursement is generally based on travel to the nearest appropriate provider or service location. Travel to larger medical centers. Trips requiring significantly longer travel may require additional review. Border communities may be approved for services in neighboring states, including Texas.

Yes. Multiple trips and recurring appointments may be submitted according to program procedures.

No, signatures must be handwritten unless the forms have been filled out through approved docu signed programs/links.

Transportation Questions

You may still qualify if a family member, friend, caregiver, agency, or other driver can transport you. TRIP reimburses the driver.

Yes. Family members may drive eligible participants and receive reimbursement.

Yes. Friends may serve as drivers and receive reimbursement.

Yes, provided all program requirements are met and reimbursement is issued to the driver.

Yes, provided all program requirements are met and reimbursement is issued to the driver.

No. TRIP is a mileage reimbursement program. Participants must have access to a vehicle and either drive themselves or have someone drive them. The program does not provide transportation services.

Grocery trips are generally limited to four reimbursable trips per household per month. Exceptions may be reviewed individually.

Types of Trips that are Eligible

Yes. TRIP may reimburse travel to primary care providers, specialists, preventive screenings, chronic disease management appointments, and other medically necessary healthcare services.

Yes. TRIP may reimburse travel to primary care providers, specialists, preventive screenings, chronic disease management appointments, and other medically necessary healthcare services.

Yes. Travel to a pharmacy for prescription medications is an eligible trip purpose.

Yes, this would be eligible in very specific situations and on a case-by-case basis.  (Example: Chemo medication, specific compounding locations, and tribal/VA pharmacies.  *Trips are not reimbursable if mileage reimbursement is covered by another program)

Yes. Preventive screenings, diagnostic testing, and other healthcare-related screenings may qualify.

Yes. TRIP may reimburse travel for dental cleanings, exams, fillings, x-rays, and other preventive dental services.

Yes. Travel to oral surgeons, orthodontists, endodontists, periodontists, prosthodontists, and other dental specialists may qualify.

Yes, this would be eligible in very specific situations and on a case-by-case basis.  (Example: Chemo medication, specific compounding locations, and tribal/VA pharmacies.  *Trips are not reimbursable if mileage reimbursement is covered by another program)

Yes. Physical therapy appointments recommended by a healthcare provider are eligible.

Yes. Cardiac rehabilitation programs prescribed by a healthcare provider may qualify.

Yes. Diabetes prevention and chronic disease education programs may be eligible.

Yes. Programs recommended by your healthcare provider to improve or manage your health may qualify.

No. General recreation, fitness centers, and non-medical exercise activities are not eligible.

Yes. Health screenings and evidence-based health programs may qualify.

Yes. Travel to support groups related to health conditions may be eligible.

Yes. Appointments related to health insurance, benefits enrollment, or healthcare coverage may qualify.

Yes. Travel to a qualifying grocery store for essential food purchases may be reimbursed.

Yes. Travel to food banks, food pantries, and mobile food distributions is eligible.

Yes. Appointments related to SNAP, WIC, and other food assistance programs may qualify.

Yes. Congregate meal sites and community meal programs are eligible destinations.

No,  the client must be in the vehicle for the driver to receive mileage reimbursement.

Yes. Farmers markets may qualify when the purpose is purchasing essential food.

No. A qualifying grocery store must regularly offer fresh produce, meat, and dairy products. Convenience stores and locations that primarily sell packaged goods generally do not qualify.

The next closest qualifying grocery store may be approved if the nearest location does not meet program standards.

No. Non-essential shopping trips are not eligible.

No. Social Security, driver’s license, and similar government service appointments are not eligible under TRIP funding.

No. Housing and shelter-related appointments are not currently eligible.

No. Legal, court, and advocacy-related trips are not eligible.

No. Case management services are not eligible under TRIP funding.

No. Employment transportation is not eligible.

No. Job interviews are not eligible.

No. Workforce and employment services are not eligible.

No. Educational and training-related transportation is not eligible.

No. Personal errands are not eligible.

No. Community events are not eligible.

No. Religious and cultural activities are not eligible under the program.

Contact your local Mobility Navigator before traveling. They can review your trip purpose, determine eligibility, and issue a voucher number if the trip qualifies. Trips must be approved before travel occurs.

Each trip is reviewed based on program guidelines and individual circumstances.

Ineligible TRIP Destinations

No. Employment transportation is not currently an eligible TRIP destination.

No. Job interviews and employment services are not eligible under the program.

No. Educational and training-related transportation is not eligible.

No. Legal and court-related travel is not eligible.

No. Recreational trips and non-medical fitness activities are not eligible.

No. TRIP only covers grocery and food access trips that meet program requirements.

Medicaid, Medicare, & SoonerCare

Generally, Medicaid recipients must first use transportation benefits available through their Medicaid plan. TRIP may be available if transportation assistance is denied or unavailable.

You may be eligible for TRIP reimbursement if you can provide documentation of the denial or verification from the Medicaid trip provider. Clients will need to reach out to their member services line or try to call the ride assistance line/Soonerride to request a trip number for their trip.  We can share those numbers with the client (see attached SoonerCare and Sooner Select).  I have encouraged clients to reach out to their Community Health Worker at the Health Department or Case Worker at DHS to assist them with this if they have difficulties.

In some cases, yes. Eligibility depends on available transportation benefits through the member’s plan and individual circumstances.

Individuals with dual enrollment may be eligible if no transportation reimbursement benefit is available through their existing coverage.

No. Participants are responsible for contacting their insurance provider or member services to determine available transportation benefits. Mobility Navigators can provide contact information and guidance.

Special Situations

Possibly. If no other transportation reimbursement source is available and transportation needs cannot be met through the facility, TRIP may be able to assist. Eligibility is determined individually.

No. Non-emergency ambulance transportation is not eligible for reimbursement.

Employment-related transportation is generally not covered through TRIP. Individuals with disabilities seeking transportation assistance for employment should contact the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) or their local Mobility Navigator for available options.

Appeals & Additional Assistance

If you believe your situation qualifies for an exception, contact your Mobility Navigator to discuss available review or appeal options.

Contact your local Mobility Navigator. They can explain eligibility requirements, help complete intake forms, and answer questions about reimbursement.

Contact your local Mobility Navigator for assistance and eligibility information. They can help determine whether TRIP is the right transportation solution for your needs.
This page is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $223,476,948.62 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.