Entering transport is becoming an important social determinant of health, and experts are beginning to realize that health plans can benefit greatly from providing coverage to beneficiaries.
There is no argument that improving health care is a good thing. When patients arrive at doctors, hospitals, professional nursing facilities and clinics, their overall health improves. This is especially true for rural residents who have barrier-free transportation.
Given prevention, early diagnosis and treatment are beneficial. Regular appointments and medical visits reduce hospital admissions, which are factors in overall health improvements.
By including transportation coverage, health plans can help ensure patients undergo regular checkups, receive follow-up care, and ultimately manage chronic diseases more effectively at less cost.
Although additional costs may be considered by health plans to increase transportation benefits, the long-term savings from reduced complications and hospitalization can offset these costs. Preventive care and early intervention are usually higher than emergency treatment for advanced disease.
In a general sense, another advantage of transportation benefits is the ability to reduce health disparities. Like housing, nutrition and education – transportation or lack of housing can also be the overall determinant of health.
Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services are particularly necessary for seniors who have specific medical conditions and who may not be able to drive or drive public transportation. These include wheelchair-friendly vehicles, stretchers and well-trained medical staff to assist with transportation. Certain medical conditions require continuous monitoring or oxygen support during transportation.
Another additional benefit of medical transportation is that relief and assistance provide home caregivers with assistance that regularly strives to balance work, personal responsibilities and care responsibilities. Medical transportation reduces the burden by ensuring that patients reach appointments without relying on others.
However, challenges are faced as smaller health plans that serve low-income people may find that initial financial expenditures for transportation services are barriers. Providing transportation is not a treatment, and health plans require effective coordination of partnerships with private providers, local transit agencies, or ride-sharing services to ensure coverage and make membership easier.
The necessity and implementation of transportation coverage varies by state and market. In many states, non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) through Medicaid is already an authorized benefit. Commercial insurance companies design their benefits in different ways.
Even if all health plans do not require transportation coverage, patient access in the healthcare system can be achieved, significant improvements in health outcomes, and potentially reduced overall costs, depending on the needs of the target population, cost-benefit analysis and regulatory frameworks.
Medical transport coverage is not only an option; it is a key component of a more comprehensive, patient-centric approach to health care.
Photos: lvcandy, Getty Images
Craig Puckett is CEO of U.S. Logistics, U.S. Logistics, based in St. George, Utah, and the country manager of non-popular healthcare, transportation services and managed care organizations.
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