Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know this is legitimate and safe?
Mercy Medical Angels has been providing free transportation to medical care since 1972. We're a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and our services are well-known in the medical community. You can check our IRS tax-exempt status, read testimonials from patients, caregivers and healthcare providers on our website, ask your doctor or hospital social worker (many are familiar with our services) and view our annual reports showing how many patients we've assisted. We never ask for your credit card information or request payment upfront. If anyone claiming to be from Mercy Medical Angels asks for money upfront (beyond the airline taxes/fees for commercial flights), it's not us. Please report it.
How do I become an Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic volunteer pilot?
Thank you for your interest in becoming an Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic volunteer pilot! To qualify, you must have an FAA commercial pilot license or private pilot certificate, a minimum of 500 Pilot-in-Command (PIC) hours, 12 hours flown in the last 90 days, at least 50 hours time-in-type in your aircraft, current medical certification, appropriate aircraft insurance and ready access to an aircraft (owned, leased, rented or club). Instrument rating (IFR capability) is strongly encouraged. Become a Pilot today.
How can I say thank you or give back?
We love hearing from grateful patients! You can give back by sharing your story, making a donation (even small donations help us serve more patients), considering a monthly recurring donation, spreading awareness by telling others who might need our services, sharing our information with support groups or volunteering your time if you're able. Your gratitude and support help us continue serving patients in need. Thank you for considering ways to give back!
How can I contact Mercy Medical Angels?
We're here to assist! You can reach us by phone at 800-296-3797, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time. You can also email us or visit our website to use the online request form.
Do you provide one-way trips?
If you are already at your treatment facility, we are unable to provide a one-way trip home. We typically book round-trip flights for patients traveling from home to their appointment and back home.
Do you provide medical support on board the aircraft?
No. There is no medical staff on board volunteer pilot flights. This is why passengers must be medically stable for air travel, able to climb onto the wing and into the aircraft, able to sit upright with a seatbelt fastened for the duration of the flight and not requiring active medical intervention during travel. If you have concerns about your ability to fly safely, please discuss them with our team during your request.
Do you provide local bus passes for public transit?
No. We do not assist with local bus passes, subway or light rail systems. Our ground transportation assistance focuses on longer-distance medical travel (typically 50 miles one way or 100 miles total per month).
Do you provide international travel?
No. We do not currently have international travel resources available. Our services are limited to travel within the United States and its territories.
Do you provide assistance for non-medical travel?
No. Our services only assist with medically necessary travel. All trips must be for medical diagnosis, treatment, follow-up care or clinical trials.
Do you offer reimbursement for transportation I have already purchased or arranged?
For most types of transportation, no. We cannot reimburse costs for trips you've already paid for, including commercial airline tickets, Uber or Lyft rides, train or bus tickets and any other travel expenses. Please submit your request before booking or purchasing any transportation so our team can coordinate and cover costs directly. Once payment has been made, we're unable to provide reimbursement. Exception: For our Ground (Gas Reimbursement) Program, if you're driving to medical appointments, you may still apply for gas reimbursement even after your trip. We encourage patients to submit their request as soon as possible following travel so we can review it and process eligible reimbursements promptly.
Do you assist people traveling for clinical trials?
Yes! We understand that clinical trials often require travel to research centers or specialized facilities. Patients traveling for clinical trial participation qualify for our assistance. When submitting your request, provide information about the clinical trial and research facility, appointment schedule (clinical trials often require multiple visits) and documentation from the research coordinator or facility.
Do gas cards have to be used at a specific gas station?
No. Gas cards can be used at any gas station nationwide. Important note: You cannot pay at the pump with these cards. You must go inside the gas station and present the card to the cashier.
How do I get a tax receipt for my donation?
You'll receive an email tax receipt immediately after donating. For all donations in a calendar year, we'll send a consolidated tax statement by January 31st. Lost your receipt? You can retrieve any receipt through your donor portal.
How can sponsorship benefit my business?
Sponsorship provides brand visibility at events and across our marketing channels, tax deduction for charitable contribution, employee engagement opportunities, community recognition as a healthcare access leader, networking with other business leaders and positive brand association with a life-saving mission. Lear more about Corporate Partnerships
How can I sign up for Mercy Medical Angels emails?
Join our mailing list on our website. Choose what interests you: patient stories, volunteer opportunities, event invitations or impact updates. You can change preferences anytime. We never share your information.
How can I volunteer for Mercy Medical Angels?
We welcome volunteers for events and office support. Sign up for volunteer opportunities on our website. Can't volunteer locally? Start a fundraiser or become a digital ambassador.
How can I pause or cancel my monthly donation?
No problem. Life happens! Use the "Manage my donation" link in any receipt email or visit our website. You can pause temporarily (we'll save your preferences) or cancel completely. No questions asked. Prefer to call? Contat 757-576-4529.
How can I donate to Mercy Medical Angels?
We offer several convenient ways to donate. Online: Donate securely in under 2 minutes on our website. Check: Mail to 101 West Main Street, Suite 1000, Norfolk, VA 23510. Phone: Call 757-576-4529 for assistance. Stock: Transfer stocks tax-free. Vehicle: Donate your car through our partner. Monthly Giving: Join Hope in Action for recurring support.
How can I change my monthly donation amount?
Access your Hope in Action account instantly using the "Manage my donation" button in any receipt email, or log in on our website. Adjust your amount up or down and changes take effect for your next scheduled donation.
Does my employer need to register with Mercy Medical Angels before I request matching gifts?
No registration needed. We're already in most employer databases! Check if your company matches through your HR department. Submit your receipt directly to your HR. We're registered with Benevity, YourCause and CyberGrants.
Do you have Donor Advised Fund (DAF) information?
Yes! Find our DAF Direct links for Fidelity, Schwab and Vanguard on our website. Search for "Mercy Medical Angels" or use EIN 52-1374161.
Do you accept in-kind donations?
Yes! We currently need professional services (legal, accounting and marketing), event auction items ($100+ value) and printing and promotional services. Submit your donation offer through our website.
Can my company sponsor a specific program?
Your gift goes further with a general Mercy Medical Angels donation. However, you can direct your sponsorship to [Angel Wings for Veterans] (serving those who served us) or [Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic} (volunteer pilot network). Choose your program designation when you donate.
Can sponsors provide in-kind support?
Absolutely! We welcome donated services like printing, marketing, event venues, professional expertise and travel vouchers.
What types of aircraft are normally used for missions?
Most missions use single-engine, four- to six-seat aircraft. Some missions use twin-engine or turboprop aircraft. Experimental aircraft are not approved for transporting patients due to insurance and safety considerations.
What kind of liability applies to volunteer pilot missions?
Patients and escorts sign a liability waiver before flights. Good-Samaritan-style protections may apply to public-benefit flights flown without charge. For specific legal details, consult legal counsel and authoritative sources.
What insurance coverage is required for pilots?
Pilots must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance, with no less than $100,000 per seat, on any aircraft used for Angel Flights. This coverage must be active and verifiable before any mission is assigned. Mercy Medical Angels does not provide supplemental insurance and cannot share costs associated with pilot coverage.
What happens if I need to cancel a mission as a pilot?
Safety always comes first. Pilots should cancel if weather, mechanical issues or personal emergencies arise. Contact the Transportation Coordinator at 757-679-0330 during business hours or 800-683-2659 after hours, and email afmalogistics@mercymedical.org as soon as you know of the change. Our staff will notify the passenger and work to arrange alternate transport.
What are the minimum flight hour requirements to volunteer as a pilot?
To qualify as a command pilot, you must have a minimum of 500 Pilot-in-Command (PIC) hours. Pilots still building hours may assist in other support roles until they meet the PIC requirement.
How far in advance are volunteer pilots contacted about missions?
Patients are asked to provide 7-10 full business days' notice when possible. However, short-notice requests can occur due to last-minute appointment changes, weather delays or mechanical issues with previously arranged flights.
How far do volunteer pilots typically fly per leg?
Routes are planned to keep individual legs around 200-300 nautical miles. For longer trips, missions are linked with other volunteer pilots from different regions. Pilots can volunteer for multiple legs if their aircraft and schedule allow.
How do volunteer pilot flights get coordinated?
A Transportation Coordinator screens patient applications for eligibility and medical approval, then posts missions on missions.angelflightmidatlantic.org. Volunteer pilots review mission details, accept flights they can support and coordinate timing, FBO locations and weather forecasts directly with the passenger.
Do I have to own a plane to volunteer as a pilot?
No, but you must have ready access to one. Minimum requirements include 12 hours flown in the last 90 days and at least 50 hours time-in-type. Some missions may arise on short notice, so reliable aircraft access is essential.
How are flight expenses handled for volunteer pilots?
Pilots volunteer their time and cover aircraft, fuel and all other flight costs. These expenses cannot be charged to or shared by the patient. Many FBOs offer fuel discounts for humanitarian flights, and some airports waive landing fees. Ask your local FBO about available discounts.
Do I need an Instrument Rating to fly missions?
An instrument rating (IFR) is strongly encouraged but not required for all missions. Many patient flights are affected by weather conditions, and pilots with IFR certification can safely accept more missions and provide more consistent service. While we may prioritize IFR-rated pilots for certain flights, VFR-only pilots are welcome to apply and will still have opportunities to serve when conditions and routes allow.
Can I use a rented or club aircraft for missions?
Yes. Pilots may use aircraft they rent, lease or have access to through a flying club or flight school, provided all insurance and FAA requirements are met.
What is Angel Wings for Veterans?
Angel Wings for Veterans is our specialized program serving Veterans, active-duty military members, first responders and their families. This program provides transportation assistance for travel to distant medical care and specialty treatments, PTSD and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) treatment access, service dog acquisition and training, healing retreats and therapeutic programs (such as equine-assisted therapy), adaptive sports events and wellness programs, and reunion travel with family members. Veterans can apply for the same air and ground transportation services as all our patients, with additional support for Veteran-specific needs.
Do you assist with travel to healing retreats or therapeutic programs?
Yes. Angel Wings for Veterans can provide transportation assistance for Veterans traveling to healing retreats focused on PTSD, TBI or Veteran wellness, equine-assisted therapy programs, adaptive sports events and clinics, wilderness therapy or outdoor recreation programs, and other therapeutic programs specifically designed for Veterans. These programs must be vetted and focused on Veteran health and wellness. Include program details and appointment/event dates in your request for approval.
Do I qualify for Angel Wings for Veterans if I'm a Veteran?
Yes. Veterans, active-duty service members and first responders are eligible for transportation assistance if they meet the same basic criteria as other patients: traveling for medical care, treatment or service dog acquisition; household income at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines; traveling a minimum distance of 100 miles total in a month; providing at least 7-10 days' advance notice; and being ambulatory and medically stable for travel. We understand that Veterans may need transportation for Veteran-specific services beyond traditional medical appointments, such as counseling, rehabilitation or adaptive programs. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs. We'll assist in determining the best travel option available.
Do I need to provide proof of military service?
Yes. You will need to provide your DD214 to verify your military service.
Can you assist me travel to get a service dog?
Yes! Angel Wings for Veterans provides transportation assistance for Veterans traveling to vetted service dog organizations to pick up a trained service dog, participate in service dog training programs and attend service dog evaluation appointments. This assistance is available for Veterans with PTS, TBI or other service-connected conditions who are working with accredited service dog organizations. Submit your request and include information about the service dog program and your appointment schedule.
What patient information do I need to submit a referral?
To submit a complete referral, you'll need the patient's full name, date of birth, address, phone and email; appointment details (date, time, facility name and address, treating physician); patient's medical condition (general information, not detailed medical records); proof of patient's income (tax return, SSI letter, bank statements or pay stubs); appointment verification (letter, portal screenshot or email from medical facility); and patient's mobility status and any special medical needs.
What if my patient doesn't meet the income guidelines but has significant medical debt?
If a patient's income exceeds the standard eligibility limits but they're facing substantial medical debt, we can review the situation on a case-by-case basis. We'll ask for documentation verifying the medical debt, such as billing statements or payment plans. Once received, the request is referred to upper management for review and approval. Our goal is to ensure that patients with genuine financial hardship still have access to the care and transportation they need.
How do I refer a patient to Mercy Medical Angels?
You have two options: Complete the request on behalf of your patient by filling out the online form with the patient's information and required documents, or give the link directly to the patient or family so they can complete it themselves. Both options are available through our online request system.
Can social workers or case managers request on behalf of patients?
Yes! Healthcare professionals can request assistance for their patients. You have two options: Complete the form on behalf of the patient by providing all patient information and required documents, or generate a shareable link to create a unique link/QR code to give to the patient or family so they can complete the form themselves (this protects patient privacy/HIPAA). We understand that social workers and case managers play a crucial role in connecting patients with resources. We've designed our process to make it easy for you to assist your patients access transportation to medical care.
Need more help?
Get in touch with us today.
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Non-Profit Tax ID #: 52-1374161
