Financial help for transport home from hospital?

Hi, I'm 78, on SSI and alone in California. Unfortunately, most if not all of my friends or helpful acquaintances have moved away or passed on.. Whenever I am discharged from an overnight hospital stay, they won't release me unless I hire an expensive ambulatory service to take me to my door - that is, if I can't get a friend to pick me up with either their own car or in a taxi. I cannot pay an ambulatory service without going into debt which I can't pay without giving up essentials. This seems somehow unfair. Like hitting someone when they are down. Thanks, if you can advise.