A ride can be an important part of getting care. These programs offer free transportation for eligible riders, with different rules for health-plan membership, trip purpose and advance reservations.
These options have specific eligibility rules. Booking lead times differ, and a listing does not guarantee that a ride or accessible vehicle is available.
Guide research reviewed . Check the provider links for current details.
Health plan benefit
Free rides for KFHC Medi-Cal members
Kern Family Health Care — Medi-Cal Transportation
KFHC Medi-Cal members without another ride can request transportation to covered appointments. Call option 3 at least 48 hours ahead, counting weekdays, and confirm the required notice with the booking team. Wheelchair or litter-van transportation requires a provider’s prescription and certification. Call promptly about urgent appointments and ask about bringing a caregiver.
Cost & accessNo cost for eligible members’ covered trips arranged by the plan. Confirm approval, pickup and return-trip arrangements; advance-notice wording is not a guaranteed booking time.
Kern County KFHC Medi-Cal members; covered appointments
Anthem Medi-Cal members can receive rides to covered healthcare appointments. Request transportation through your doctor, then call reservations with your member ID and appointment details. Book at least five business days ahead, or seven for a new rider. Wheelchair and litter-van trips are available when medically needed; your doctor requests the appropriate service. Call promptly for an urgent appointment.
Cost & accessNo cost for eligible Anthem Medi-Cal members' covered rides; medical need and approval requirements apply.
Kern County Anthem Medi-Cal members; covered healthcare trips
Kaiser Medi-Cal members without another transportation option can request rides to covered appointments and to collect prescriptions or medical supplies. Call at least three business days ahead with your member ID and trip details. If a disability or medical condition requires a wheelchair van or driver assistance, ask your provider to prescribe and obtain approval for medical transportation.
Cost & accessFree when Kaiser arranges eligible Medi-Cal rides. Advance approval applies to certain trips and specialized transportation.
Kern County Kaiser Medi-Cal members; service-area rules apply
Kern County Cancer Foundation — Pediatric Mobile Angel Unit
Free shuttles and gas-card assistance help eligible families reach pediatric cancer treatment outside Kern County. Patients must be newborn through age 21, have lived in Kern County for at least six months, demonstrate financial need and be referred by their treating facility's social worker. Call the transportation department early to discuss your application, appointment and available arrangements.
Cost & accessFree shuttles and gas-card assistance for eligible pediatric cancer families; application and referral required.
Eligible Kern County families traveling for pediatric cancer care
Veterans with scheduled VA appointments can reserve a free shuttle serving Bakersfield, Lebec, Sepulveda and West Los Angeles. This is a scheduled route, not a home pickup service. Use VA's ride-request guide to contact the Greater Los Angeles transportation team. Confirm your reservation, pickup point, appointment timing and any accessibility needs before traveling.
Cost & accessFree for eligible veterans with a VA appointment and a confirmed transportation reservation.
Bakersfield / Lebec shuttle route to Sepulveda and West Los Angeles VA
A local Delano option, not a countywide medical shuttle. The city currently offers fare-free fixed-route buses and Dial-A-Ride. Dial-A-Ride requires an application and has age, Medicare or disability eligibility and service-area rules. Call dispatch to check your pickup and clinic addresses, accessibility and reservation needs.
Cost & accessThe city lists DART services as free until further notice. Confirm the current fare and available service before your trip; a medical appointment does not by itself establish Dial-A-Ride eligibility.
Delano and surrounding service area; call to check your address
Call ahead to confirm current services, eligibility, costs and availability. This independent directory does not provide services, process applications or guarantee assistance.
YOU DON’T NEED THE PERFECT WORDS
Confirm the whole trip, not just the pickup.
Am I eligible, and is this appointment or trip covered at no cost?
How far ahead must I reserve, and is my ride confirmed?
Can you accommodate my wheelchair, mobility needs or caregiver?
Where will I be picked up, and how do I arrange the return ride?
What should I do if my appointment runs late or the ride does not arrive?
Need a different kind of ride?
The full directory also includes local transit, accessible rides, senior transportation and other travel assistance. A free fare card or an assistance application does not necessarily mean that the trip itself is free.
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