Report: Poor Access to Transportation Linked to Missed Healthcare

A new report from the Urban Institute highlights the link between access to transportation and public health, noting that “More than 20% of people without a personal vehicle and with only poor or fair access to public transportation said they had foregone healthcare needs because of difficulty finding transportation.” Missed appointments can prevent people from getting the care they need and cost the healthcare industry up to $150 billion each year.

Shannon Muchmore summarizes the study in Smart Cities Dive, outlining how the findings can help policymakers and medical providers understand gaps in transit and health systems. “Insurers, particularly in the Medicare Advantage program, have expanded benefit offerings to include a ride to a doctor’s appointment in some cases. Providers have partnered with companies such as Uber and Lyft to provide transportation.”

Muchmore adds that telehealth services are helping to fill the gap, but relaxed Covid-era regulations that permitted more virtual health services are still considered temporary.