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Local groups working to cover senior medical travel expenses Medical travel costs for persons over 62 years of age could be reimbursed if current plans are accepted. The Area Agency on Aging, Regional Transportation Office, Washington Area Faith In Action Inc., and the American Cancer Society Road to Recovery are cooperating in an effort to cover unmet medical transportation needs for Wilkes County cases - except for Medicaid which costs are already covered. "We need to know how many miles and to what destinations local drivers are transporting patients for medical diagnosis and treatment," said Joe Harris, Faith In Action president. Anyone who drives a patient to Augusta, Athens, or other out-oftown locations should make contact with Faith In Action and provide the information. Steve Blackmon at 678-2278 will accept calls, or information can be left at 678-7000. The information must be received by March 19. "The name of the driver, the destination and the approximate number of trips within the last 12 months is all that is needed," Harris said. These data will be used as part of a proposal to the Department of Transportation. In the future, those who regularly provide this kind of service at their own expense could be reimbursed if the plan is funded. "The plan has been used in a few other counties in the state," said Alberta Russell, the regional transportation coordinator. "We hope we can get it for Wilkes County." The Area Agency on Aging and Washington Area Faith In Action Inc. have been trying to get this kind of travel coverage for several years. The current plan seems closer to being funded than any previously proposed plan.
"We must have data to show the need and hope that those who have done so much for others will provide it. We can then appeal for the assistance provided to many other counties, mostly by a different program," Harris concluded.
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