Denver Health is the largest safety hospital in the Rocky Mountain area, serving 150,000 individuals in Denver, Colorado. The hospital's leaders noticed a significant issue: many patients sought various treatments at the hospital and its clinics, but a lot of them didn't show up for their scheduled outpatient visits. Moreover, patients who had been discharged from the hospital had to wait for a long time before they could go home. They conducted a survey and the results revealed a key issue: a lack of non-emergency medical transportation in Denver. 

This was the primary reason why patients missed their appointments and experienced delays in returning home after being discharged. Despite the efforts of companies like Mountain Taxi and NEMT brokers like IntelliRide, many Denver patients still face challenges accessing non-emergency medical transportation.

The Problem of Medical Transportation Services Denver, Colorado

Transportation is a major barrier to healthcare access for many people in Denver, Colorado. According to the Colorado Health Institute, nearly 300,000 Coloradans reported that they had trouble getting to the doctor due to transportation issues. This problem is especially acute in Denver, where the cost of living is high and public transportation can be unreliable.

There are a number of factors that contribute to medical transportation issues in Denver. One factor is the city's sprawl. Denver is a large city with a lot of spread-out neighborhoods. This can make it difficult for people to get to medical appointments without a car.

Another factor is the cost of living in Denver. Denver is a relatively expensive city, and many people cannot afford to own a car. This means that they have to rely on public transportation or ride-sharing services to get to medical appointments. However, public transportation in Denver can be unreliable, and ride-sharing services can be expensive.


The lack of affordable and reliable transportation can have a number of negative consequences for people's health. People who cannot get to medical appointments may delay or forgo needed care. This can lead to chronic health conditions and even death.

Importance

Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) is a vital service that helps people in Denver get to and from their medical appointments. NEMT providers offer a variety of transportation options, including wheelchair-accessible vans, sedans, and buses. They also offer transportation for people with special needs, such as those who need oxygen or assistance with boarding and disembarking.

NEMT can make a big difference in the lives of people who need it. It can help people get the care they need when they need it, and it can help them avoid costly emergency room visits.



Here is how NEMT is helping people:



People with disabilities: NEMT can help people with disabilities get to and from medical appointments, job training programs, and other important activities.

People with chronic health conditions: NEMT can help people with chronic health conditions get to and from doctor's appointments, physical therapy, and other medical services.

Seniors: NEMT can help seniors get to and from medical appointments, grocery stores, and other essential places.

Low-income families: NEMT can help low-income families get to and from medical appointments, school, and work.

People who live in rural areas: NEMT can help people who live in rural areas get to and from medical appointments, hospitals, and other essential services.

Can everyone access non-emergency medical transportation in Denver?

Not everyone can access NEMT in Denver. To qualify for NEMT, you must have a medical need for transportation and be unable to get to your appointments by yourself or with the help of family or friends. You must also have a valid Medicaid or Medicare card.

To help people in Colorado who need transportation to medical appointments, various NEMT service providers have started services in the state. These providers work with Medicaid to ensure that people who qualify for the program are able to get the transportation they need.



Some non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers in Denver offer their services to people who do not have Medicaid. However, these providers will charge you for their services, and the cost will vary depending on the distance covered and any specialized equipment or assistance that you may need during your journey. It is important to confirm the cost of NEMT in Denver before booking your ride.


How Do I Become Eligible for Non Emergency Medical Transportation Denver

To apply for Medicaid, you can visit the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing website or call 1-800-221-9357. You will need to provide some basic information, such as your name, address, and date of birth. You will also need to provide proof of income and residency.

  • Make sure you have all of the required documentation when you apply for Medicaid.
  • Be prepared to answer questions about your income and residency.
  • If you are denied Medicaid, you may be able to appeal the decision.
  • There are a number of other programs that offer transportation assistance to people who do not qualify for Medicaid.