Honoring Medicare’s 60th Anniversary by Closing the Transportation Gap

This month, we celebrate 60 years of Medicare, a program that has transformed access to healthcare for older adults and individuals with disabilities since its inception in 1965. As we reflect on this milestone, it’s the perfect time to consider how Medicare Advantage plans can continue evolving to meet the complex needs of today’s members—and how transportation plays a vital role in that mission.

At MTM Health , we believe that access to care starts with access to transportation. And when it comes to Medicare Advantage, that’s not just a belief—it’s a strategy for improving health outcomes, increasing member satisfaction, and enhancing STAR ratings.

One in three Medicare members struggle with transportation insecurity. That means missed appointments, unmanaged chronic conditions, and preventable emergency room visits. For members, this translates into declining health. For plans, it results in higher costs and lower performance metrics.

That’s where a non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) benefit can make all the difference.

We’re proud to partner with Medicare Advantage plans nationwide to build transportation programs that are proactive, data-driven, and designed with the member in mind. From predictive analytics that anticipate gaps in care to real-time dashboards that track every trip, we’re redefining what transportation means in the Medicare Advantage space.

Here’s why it matters:

• NEMT supports value-based care. By getting members to dialysis, primary care visits, and follow-up appointments, transportation helps reduce costly ER visits and hospital readmissions.
• It improves quality scores. High-quality, on-time transportation directly supports key HEDIS and CAHPS measures, ultimately boosting STAR ratings and Quality Bonus Payments.
• It enhances the member experience. A safe, seamless ride to a medical appointment can mean the difference between frustration and dignity—especially for seniors with mobility challenges.

As Medicare turns 60, we’re not just looking back; we’re looking forward. Let’s continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in managed care. Let’s prioritize healthcare access, member outcomes, and innovative partnerships. And let’s never underestimate the power of a simple ride to change a life.

To learn more about MTM Health’s NEMT solutions, visit www.mtm-inc.net/nemt.