Don’t Have a Way to Get to the Doctor? Transportation Options in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is home to some of the most renowned hospitals in the world.
However, for thousands of patients across the state, the biggest challenge in receiving medical care is not the quality of the hospital — it is how to get there.
Transportation can become a critical barrier to accessing healthcare, especially for:
- Older adults
- People with disabilities
- Low-income families
- Residents living outside major urban centers
Public health experts have warned for decades that this issue has real consequences.
At the national level, approximately 3.6 million people miss or delay medical care each year because of transportation problems (PubMed Central).
When a medical appointment is missed, the consequences can be serious:
- Delayed diagnoses
- Interrupted treatments
- Increased use of emergency rooms
- Higher costs for the healthcare system
The Impact of Transportation Barriers in Massachusetts
The problem is also visible at the local level.
A recent report on healthcare access in Boston indicates that lack of transportation remains a major barrier to accessing medical services, particularly among lower-income individuals, people with disabilities, and Latino or underserved communities (Boston.gov).
Other state data shows that:
- Only 27% of some vulnerable resident groups live near a health center, making it difficult to attend medical appointments (Massachusetts Government).
- 31% of respondents in social service programs reported missing medical care due to transportation problems (Massachusetts Government).
- Among people with mobility limitations, 41% reported skipping medical care because of transportation difficulties (Massachusetts Government).
- In western regions of Massachusetts, a shortage of specialists forces many patients to travel long distances to Boston, further complicating access to care (Massachusetts Government).
In other words, the patients who most need medical care are often the ones who face the greatest difficulty getting to it.
Transportation Is Also a Social Determinant of Health
Public health research shows that transportation is part of what are known as Social Determinants of Health, alongside factors such as housing, income, and access to healthy food.
Some studies indicate that up to 25% of missed medical appointments are related to transportation issues (PubMed Central).
Additional research shows that as many as 39% of patients in certain high-utilization groups have experienced delays or difficulties reaching medical appointments due to transportation barriers (SpringerLink).
The consequences can include:
- Poor control of chronic diseases
- Increased hospitalizations
- Disruptions in medical follow-up
- Reduced access to medications
A Little-Known Resource: Free Medical Transportation
What many patients do not know is that there are programs that help cover transportation to medical appointments.
One of the most important is non-emergency medical transportation available to beneficiaries of:
MassHealth
This program may cover transportation to:
- Medical appointments
- Therapy sessions
- Specialized treatments
- Mental health visits
- Scheduled hospital visits
Depending on the patient’s needs, transportation may include:
- Taxis or contracted vehicles
- Shared vans
- Wheelchair-accessible transportation
- Reimbursement for public transit
More information:
https://www.mass.gov/masshealth
Accessible Transportation in the Boston Area
For people with mobility limitations, the public transportation system also offers alternatives.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority provides The RIDE, a door-to-door service designed for individuals who cannot use traditional public transportation.
This program allows travel to:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Rehabilitation centers
- Pharmacies
- Community services
More information:
https://www.mbta.com/accessibility/the-ride
Uber Health: When Technology Helps Patients Reach the Doctor
In addition to traditional medical transportation programs, some healthcare systems in the United States have begun using technology platforms to help patients get to their appointments.
One of these tools is Uber Health, a service designed specifically for the healthcare sector.
Unlike the regular ride-sharing app, Uber Health allows hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations to schedule rides for patients, even if the patient does not have a smartphone or an Uber account.
The process is relatively simple:
- The hospital or clinic schedules the ride for the patient.
- The patient receives trip information via text message or phone call.
- A driver picks the patient up at home and takes them to their medical appointment.
This model is increasingly used across the United States to reduce missed medical appointments, especially among patients facing transportation challenges.
Several studies have shown that transportation barriers are responsible for millions of missed medical visits every year, pushing hospitals and healthcare systems to look for innovative logistical solutions.
The Role of Hospitals in Addressing Social Barriers
Many healthcare systems are now actively addressing the social determinants that affect patient health.
The Mass General Brigham system offers programs that include:
- Clinical social workers
- Community navigation programs
- Social determinants of health screening
These programs help patients find resources related to:
- Transportation
- Housing
- Food access
- Financial assistance
Patients can request support during a medical appointment or by contacting the hospital’s social work department.
More information:
https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Transportation in Massachusetts
Who can access free medical transportation?
People who receive MassHealth coverage may qualify for non-emergency medical transportation when the appointment is medically necessary.
How do you request transportation?
Typically, the medical provider or health plan must authorize the service.
Patients can also request information directly from MassHealth.
What types of transportation are offered?
Depending on the patient’s needs, options may include:
- Taxis
- Medical vans
- Wheelchair-accessible vehicles
- Public transit reimbursement
What should I do if I have difficulty getting to a medical appointment?
Patients can ask for help from:
- Hospital social workers
- Community navigation programs
- Community organizations
Resources in Massachusetts
Medical Transportation for MassHealth Patients
MassHealth
https://www.mass.gov/masshealth
Accessible Transportation in Boston
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
https://www.mbta.com/accessibility/the-ride
Patient Support Programs
Mass General Brigham
https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/
Transportation remains one of the most invisible barriers to accessing healthcare.
Improving access to medical transportation helps reduce avoidable hospitalizations, improves chronic disease management, and strengthens the overall health of communities.
Find more resources at MyHealthFair.com
