COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – A Colorado medical transportation company says it will no longer provide ambulatory services to people who can walk and do not need a wheelchair.
The company cited financial issues with the state as the reason for the change. People who used the service are now trying to figure out what’s next.
One woman said she had a double lung transplant and used MedRide to travel to a Denver hospital for her appointments, something she said may no longer be possible.
She said she received an email from MedRide stating she would no longer be getting services through Medicaid, which would require her to pay out of pocket if she wanted to keep using the company. She said that would be too expensive.
The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing has said there are still 20 non-emergency transportation services available. The woman said the availability or the maximum distance those companies travel may not be sufficient for her needs.
Celisa Morris said, “The few places that do give Medicaid rides are, are family owned small businesses. They may only have 3 or 4 cars in their fleet. Well, 3 or 4 cars cannot be in Denver and in, you know, Pueblo and service all of Colorado Springs, you know, it’s just not possible.”
Company and state respond
In a statement, MedRide said:
“We recognize how important reliable transportation is for patients getting to the care they need…We remain committed to working with state leaders to address this financial issue.”
The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing said: “There are currently more than 20 other NEMT providers serving El Paso County listed in the HCPF NEMT provider directory…we are confident there is sufficient provider coverage to meet members’ transportation needs.”
Ambulatory services are set to end in El Paso County on Aug. 25. Morris also said she is working to find a service that will work for her to get scans and assessments on her lungs.
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