4 Reasons Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Is Growing
Many sectors of the American healthcare industry are rapidly expanding, including non-emergency medical transportation. We’ll discuss the reasons why non-emergency medical transportation is growing, like an aging population and the service’s affordability.
Aging Population
One of the primary factors in the growth of non-emergency medical transportation is the same reason that other sectors of American healthcare are growing—an aging population. In the US, the baby boomer generation is reaching its twilight years, and as we all know, health problems become more common as we age.
The baby boomer generation makes up a substantial part of the American population, leading to an increased need for healthcare services—including treatment and transportation. Non-emergency medical transportation is available to all ages, but it’s especially useful for seniors to get to their appointments and other healthcare services.
Lack of Viable Transportation Alternatives
Another reason non-emergency medical transportation is growing is that few transportation methods exist, especially for older patients and those in poverty. Once seniors reach an age where they’re too old or debilitated to drive themselves, the transportation options can be slim, as many areas lack viable public transport options. Some people can’t depend on family or friends to chauffeur them to and from appointments in the middle of the day.
Non-emergency medical transportation is convenient for people who don’t own a car or live near a public transport station that brings them close to their healthcare destination. As we’ll discuss further, it’s also affordable.
Remote Healthcare Facility Locations
Another issue that non-emergency medical transportation solves for many patients is catering to people who live in rural areas far away from the nearest healthcare facility. In many states, like California, patients must travel long distances to reach their doctor or see a specialist.
If a person doesn’t own a car or can’t physically drive themselves, their options to receive the healthcare they need greatly reduce. Non-emergency medical transportation in California and other states with heavy rural populations connects these distant patients with the necessary healthcare services.
Affordable Transportation
Non-emergency medical transportation is becoming more popular because it’s remarkably affordable for many people. Many patients that Medicaid and Medicare cover can get non-emergency medical transportation for free, ensuring they get to their medical appointments on time.
People who don’t have medical transportation covered as part of their healthcare insurance or plan can still afford to pay for the non-emergency transportation out of pocket, as it’s an affordable alternative transport method.
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