This article highlights the critical role that Uber and Lyft drivers play in transporting patients to medical appointments, particularly in Georgia.
With rural hospital closures, many patients rely on ride-hailing services to travel long distances to treatment centers in Atlanta.
Drivers like Tramaine Carr find themselves providing not only transportation but emotional support, listening to patients’ stories during lengthy trips.
While ride-hailing services can offer a more affordable alternative to ambulance rides, the lack of rural services and Medicaid expansion in Georgia limits access for many.
Some insurance plans and charities cover medical transportation, but gaps still leave many patients without rides. Solutions like expanding Medicaid or subsidizing rides for low-income patients are suggested to alleviate these issues.
MedTrans Go, a start-up connecting patients with trained drivers, is one of the platforms helping meet these transportation needs.
However, not all drivers are comfortable handling medical passengers, as the work can be stressful without additional compensation. Despite this, drivers like Carr enjoy the human connection and find satisfaction in helping patients, particularly seniors.
The article underscores the growing reliance on ride-hailing services for medical transportation and the challenges faced by both drivers and patients in accessing timely, affordable health care.