Source-NPR
A few medical transportation companies have stated that they could have to close due to increased insurance premiums.
These are the companies that transport patients to and from dialysis and other medical appointments.
According to a firm president, these services are at risk because their “liability insurance” is about to quadruple, as reported by 7 News.
To determine the best course of action, Freedom Mobility is now collaborating with other medical transport providers.
Jason Kiner depends on Freedom Mobility to transport him to and from his Lockport medical visits.
“I need transportation going to dialysis and secondly this would take away my therapy sessions and trying to learn how to walk after losing both of my legs,” Kiner stated.
He mentioned that on days when the treatments are really wearing him out, he particularly values the support the drivers give him in addition to the ride. “It is very vital for supplying the help that we need.”
Freedom Mobility’s president is Caleb Edward Bell Sr. Bell fears that he may no longer be able to assist those in need following almost ten years in company.
Bell told 7 News that he recently learned that liability insurance is rising, along with other medical transportation companies.
“I received information from my insurance company and they said Medicaid was going to a $1 million liability,” Bell said.
7 News: Currently, where are you?
Bell: I have $500,000 now.
7 News: Does this mean you’ll have to pay twice for each vehicle?
Bell: In agreement.
7 News: How would that affect your company?
Bell: We’re probably going to have to close down.
For the past four years, Hazel Grey has relied on the ride service to get her to and from doctor’s appointments and dialysis. If they close, she said she’s not sure what she’ll do.
“I wouldn’t be able to attend my Friday, Wednesday, and Monday appointments. My family is not here to take me. Individuals on fixed incomes, such as myself, cannot afford Lyft or Uber,” she clarified.
Bell worries that if medical transportation companies like his close, folks like Grey and Kiner won’t be able to make those visits. He is scheduled to discuss a strategy with at least twelve more companies in the near future.
“What action will Medicaid take? “How are they going to transport all of these people who depend on medical transportation every day, five or six days a week, back and forth?” bell asked.
“It’s terrible because when it comes to Medicaid sometimes I feel like they would rather have us die than help us out,” Kiner said, reflecting on his thoughts upon learning that his ride service would be stopping.
Also Read: 7 Health Insurance Questions, Answered
