Companies Respond to an Urgent Healthcare Need: Transportation

Experts warn the aging American population will face a lack of transportation options for nonemergency medical appointments, reports the New York Times . Missed appointments because of this shortage cost beneficiaries and the healthcare system a lot in the long term if a mild illness becomes chronic or debilitating, according to a study from SCI Solutions. Some technology startups have been founded to address this need, creating online portals that comply with federal regulations under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. The portals make it easy to find, book, and track customized rides. Each startup partners with healthcare communities and transportation companies, which matches skilled drivers with beneficiaries' needs as well as managing insurance. RoundTrip, for example, allows a beneficiary or social worker to log onto its portal and book a ride. The beneficiary receives phone calls or texts, with real-time updates on the status of the ride that can cost up to 40 percent less than a taxi voucher, and the ride can be booked in about a minute and be tracked from start to finish. RoundTrip has 15 healthcare partners and 200 transportation organizations in its network in more than 23 states. The AARP Public Policy Institute's Jana Lynott says about 21 percent of people older than 65 do not drive, mainly for health reasons; moreover, many of them do not have children or spouses to drive them to medical appointments. She says she would ultimately like to see all travel and healthcare companies access the same portal to simplify transport services nationwide.