These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1 Get the facts firstYou can ask "Where is the appointment, what day and time? How long will you be there?"
You can ask "Do you have Medicaid? Which plan: Blue Cross, Presbyterian, UnitedHealthcare or Molina?"
You can ask "Can someone go with you?"
2 On Medicaid: rides, gas, meals and a roomMedicaid gives free rides to covered visits, even far away. Call the number on the Medicaid card.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico (Turquoise Care)
Free Medicaid rides to medical appointments (BCBS members)
866-913-4342
· Statewide phone/online; booking Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; Ride Assist 24/7 at 866-418-9829
Presbyterian Health Plan
Free Medicaid rides to medical appointments (Presbyterian members)
855-774-7737
· Statewide phone/online; 24/7
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan (Turquoise Care)
Free Medicaid rides to medical appointments (UHC members)
877-236-0826
· Statewide phone/online; Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Molina Healthcare of New Mexico
Member services, including how to book Medicaid rides
844-862-4543
· Statewide phone/online; Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
You can say "Ask about meals and a motel too. Medicaid can pay for them on long trips if they say yes before you go."
3 No Medicaid: free rides and flights
Mercy Medical Angels
Gas cards, bus and train tickets and airfare to medical care
757-318-9174
· Business hours
Angel Flight West
Free medical flights with volunteer pilots
310-390-2958
· Business hours
American Cancer Society
Cancer helpline, rides and lodging
800-227-2345
· 24/7
Advanced Air (Grant County Airport flights)
Commuter flights Silver City to Albuquerque and Phoenix
800-393-7035
At the Gospel Mission Ask staff about a bus ticket from the stuff drawer.
4 A place to stay near the hospital
Casa Esperanza
Low-cost lodging near UNM Hospital for patients with serious illness
505-246-2700
1005 Yale Blvd NE, Albuquerque · Open 24/7 for guests; office and tours Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Ronald McDonald House Charities of New Mexico
Lodging for families of sick children treated in Albuquerque
505-842-8960
1011 Yale Blvd NE, Albuquerque · Open 24/7; call ahead to check in
Joe's House
Find discounted lodging near any hospital (El Paso, Tucson, more)
877-563-7468
Albuquerque Fisher House (Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center)
Free lodging for families of veterans in the VA hospital
505-265-1711
1501 San Pedro Dr SE, Bldg 85, Albuquerque · Call for availability
5 Veterans
El Paso VA Health Care System - Las Cruces VA Clinic
VA Veterans Transportation Service (El Paso VA)
915-564-6114
6 Pack for the tripBring
photo ID Medicaid or insurance card appointment letter list of medicines and the pills phone and charger At the Gospel Mission Ask for a hygiene kit and clean clothes from the clothing bank.
At the Gospel Mission Getting mail at the Mission? Ask staff what to do about mail while they are away.
More help like this
Needs a ride, a bus ticket, or to get to another town Use when someone needs a ride in town, a ride to a medical appointment, or a way to get to Deming, Las Cruces or another city. Car broke down, or can't pay for gas Use when someone's car broke down, needs a repair to keep working, or they can't pay for gas to get to work, a doctor, or another town. Needs a driver's license to get a job Use when a job requires a driver's license, or someone needs to drive to get to work, and they have never had a license or need a first New Mexico license. Getting to food pantries, shelters and free meals: bus, rides and walking Use when someone needs to get to a food pantry, free meal or shelter without a car: the free Silver City bus, walking times from the Mission, buses to Bayard and Santa Clara, and other rides. Lost their driver's license, has a DWI, or needs it reinstated Use when someone lost their driver's license, had it suspended or revoked, has a DWI, or needs an ignition interlock license. You saw a car crash, or someone was hit by a car Use when you see or come upon a car, truck or motorcycle crash, or a person on foot or a bike is hit by a car. See all guides in Health and recovery →
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
Know a better way? Is something out of date?
If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
📞 We need volunteers to keep this guide up to date. You can help from home, an hour a week.
See how →
Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071 , weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.