Navigating healthcare appointments can be challenging, especially when transportation is a barrier. Many individuals seek reliable and accessible ways to get to their medical appointments. When exploring options like Ride to Care, a common question arises: does Ride to Care take self-pay patients near me? Understanding the scope and services of programs like Ride to Care is crucial for planning your healthcare journey.
Ride to Care is primarily designed as a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) service, focusing on assisting specific populations in accessing necessary healthcare. It’s important to clarify that Ride to Care, as outlined in resources like the Rider’s Guide, operates within a framework that is often tied to specific healthcare programs and eligibility criteria.
Who is Ride to Care For?
Ride to Care is structured to serve individuals who are part of specific healthcare networks. For instance, information available points to its connection with programs like Health Share and CareOregon, indicating a focus on Medicaid recipients and those within similar managed care organizations.
Children and Ride to Care:
For families with young children, Ride to Care has specific guidelines to ensure safety and proper care. Children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult. This adult can be a parent, stepparent, grandparent, legal guardian, staff or volunteer from the Department of Human Services (DHS), or Oregon Health Authority (OHA) personnel. Alternatively, it can be someone over 18 years old designated in writing by the parent or legal guardian as a Personal Care Attendant (PCA).
It is crucial to note that the accompanying adult is responsible for providing and installing car seats for children under 8 years old. Ride to Care does not provide car seats, and drivers are not permitted to assist with car seat installation or removal. Passengers must take car seats with them when they leave the vehicle; drivers cannot store them.
Ride to Care and Emergency Situations
It is vital to understand that Ride to Care is not an emergency transportation service. In case of medical emergencies requiring immediate attention, calling 911 or seeking transportation to the nearest emergency room is the appropriate course of action.
If an emergency arises during a Ride to Care trip, passengers are instructed to immediately inform the driver, who will then contact 911 for assistance.
Feedback, Grievances, and Appeals with Ride to Care
Patient feedback is essential for service improvement. Ride to Care and associated health programs encourage users to share their experiences, both positive and negative.
Submitting Feedback or Grievances:
If you have feedback or a complaint regarding your Ride to Care experience, such as a missed ride or service issue, you are encouraged to contact Ride to Care Customer Service directly. Alternatively, you can utilize the online Transportation grievance and feedback form. For individuals who prefer not to contact Ride to Care directly or need guidance, Health Share Customer Service is also available.
When contacting customer service, be prepared to provide information such as:
- Your name and date of birth.
- Driver’s name or transportation company name (if known).
- Date of the incident.
- Trip details.
- Health Share Medicaid Member ID number.
Denials and Appeals Process:
If you believe you have been unfairly denied Ride to Care services, you have the right to appeal the decision. If a service denial occurs, you will receive verbal notification explaining the reason. Furthermore, Health Share mandates a secondary review of all ride denials. Following a denial, Ride to Care will send a Notice of Adverse Benefit Determination (NOABD) letter outlining the denial and your appeal rights.
In cases where requested NEMT services are denied, stopped, or reduced, a NOABD letter will be mailed to you within 72 hours, or as soon as possible before the change takes effect. This letter will detail the reasons for the decision and explain the appeal process through Health Share. Appeals must be submitted within 60 days from the date of the NOABD letter, following the instructions provided in the letter.
For detailed information regarding grievance and appeal procedures, contacting Health Share Customer Service is recommended.
Ride to Care Customer Service Contact Information:
- Phone: 503-416-3955 or toll-free 855-321-4899
- TTY: 711
- Business hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays
Health Share Customer Service Contact Information:
- Phone: 503-416-8090 or toll-free 888-519-3845
- TTY: 711
- Business Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
While this information clarifies the operational framework of Ride to Care, it’s essential to directly contact Ride to Care or Health Share Customer Service for the most accurate and personalized information regarding your specific transportation needs and eligibility, including any potential options related to self-pay or alternative programs.
