Transportation

CenCal Health Transportation Services
Free Transportation for Qualified CenCal Members

CenCal Health partners with Ventura Transit System to provide free non-medical transportation (NMT) to members who have no transportation to any Medi-Cal benefit service. In addition to doctor appointments, covered services include mental health appointments, substance abuse programs, dental appointments, pharmacy and medical supply pick ups, and other contracted providers such as lactation consultants.

Members requiring transportation service should call Ventura Transit System (VTS) 48 hours in advance of needing service in the Coastal Tri Counties (San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura). For a longer distance, e.g. Los Angeles, call five to seven days in advance of needing service. VTS will then screen the request to determine the level of need, coordinate with the member's physician for appropriate transport and authorization, and contact local contracted providers. Local transportation contractors include Easy Lift, Smooth Transportation, and Ride On.

Ventura Transit System: (855) 659-4600

Non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) is also provided for members who are physically or medically unable to to get to services by car, bus, or taxi. Medical transport needs completion of an authorization form by a doctor; members should contact CenCal Health for details.
For more information please visit this link or contact CenCal Health Member Services Department at (877) 814-1861 Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm (for the hard of hearing TTY 1-833-556-2560 or the CA Relay at 711). The call is toll-free. Please have your member identification card ready when you call.

Additional transportation resources are listed below:

San Luis Obispo County

Cambria Community Bus (805) 927-4173, https://cambriacommunitycouncil.org/community-bus
Ride On /Senior Shuttle Services (805) 541-8747, http://www.ride-on.org/
SLO Regional Transit Authority, (805) 541-2228, www.slorta.org
SLO Runabout (ADA Service), (805) 541-2544, http://www.slorta.org/services/runabout-paratransit/

North Santa Barbara County

American Medical Response, (805) 688-6550, AMR Santa Barbara
Lompoc Transit (COLT), (805) 736-7666, https://www.cityoflompoc.com/government/departments/public-works/transportation/city-of-lompoc-transit
Santa Maria Area Transit (SMAT), (805) 928-5624, Santa Maria Area Transit (SMAT)
SMOOTH - Santa Maria/Lompoc, (805) 922-8476, https://www.smoothinc.org/
The Breeze Bus , (800) 417-2137, http://www.breezebus.com/

Need Help?

Download the Family Resource Center Directory and contact the appropriate Family Resource Center for help from an advocate or other staff member.

Family Resource Centers can help with non-medical needs too, such as food, clothing, and shelter.

Car Seats

Pregnancy and Parenting Support of San Luis Obispo provides free car seats and many other resources for pregnant and new parents, through their child's second year of life.

Transportation to CHC Clinics

Community Health Centers of the Central Coast offers free transportation by van to CHC clinics, including dental clinics and appointments with their counseling staff within their service area. Eligible patients should have an appointment and live in the area of that clinic site's location. Appointments must be made 48 hours in advance. Please call 1-877-743-3242 to make a transportation request or for more information. https://www.communityhealthcenters.org/en/patient-support-services.html

Special Needs

Jack's Helping Hand offers assistance with travel to medical appointments for children with special needs whose families cannot afford the expense.