Open Enrollment: Don’t Overlook Your Transportation Benefits

Each year, open enrollment gives individuals and families the chance to make important choices about their healthcare coverage. Most people focus on premiums, provider networks, and prescription drug coverage—but one benefit often goes unnoticed: non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT).

At People2Care Technology, we believe reliable transportation is more than a perk. It’s a critical healthcare benefit that ensures patients never miss the appointments that keep them healthy. As open enrollment approaches, now is the time to understand how transportation fits into your health plan and how technology can make the process seamless.

Why Transportation Belongs in the Conversation

Healthcare isn’t just about having coverage—it’s about being able to use it. For many individuals, especially seniors, patients with disabilities, or those without reliable vehicles, transportation is the missing link between insurance and actual care.

Consider this:

• Millions of medical appointments are missed every year due to lack of transportation.

• Missed appointments can lead to delayed diagnoses, increased hospital visits, and higher costs.

• Many health plans already include NEMT coverage, but members don’t always know it’s available.

  
  

By understanding your transportation benefits during open enrollment, you can avoid unnecessary stress and ensure you get the care you need all year long.

How People2Care Technology Supports Health Plans

Health plans and providers are under increasing pressure to keep costs down while improving patient satisfaction. Missed appointments caused by transportation issues directly increase costs for health systems and negatively affect outcomes.

People2Care Technology helps health plans:

• Simplify Scheduling: Our platform makes it easy for members and facilities to coordinate rides.

• Increase Transparency: Real-time updates let patients know when their ride will arrive.

• Reduce Costs: Fewer missed appointments mean reduced emergency visits and hospital readmissions.

• Boost Satisfaction: Members who can easily get to appointments are healthier and more engaged in their care.

  
  

By integrating technology with transportation benefits, health plans can ensure members get the value they expect—and deserve—from their coverage.

What to Ask During Open Enrollment

When reviewing your healthcare plan options this fall, don’t forget to ask about transportation. Here are a few questions to guide you:

• Does my health plan include non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT)?

• How do I schedule a ride if I need one?

• Can I choose a transportation provider like People2Care-powered partners?

• Are rides available for specialists, therapy, or preventive care visits?

• What limits, if any, are placed on the number of trips covered?

  
  

Asking these questions now can save frustration later and ensure you maximize your benefits.

Open Enrollment Beyond Healthcare Plans

Open enrollment isn’t only for individuals—it’s also a crucial time for healthcare facilities, nursing homes, and transportation providers to evaluate their systems. Facilities that partner with People2Care gain the advantage of technology that makes coordination easier for both staff and patients.

From customized reporting to seamless dispatching, our solutions give organizations the tools they need to operate more efficiently while providing high-quality care.

Transportation as Preventive Care

When transportation is accessible, patients are more likely to attend regular screenings, therapy sessions, and follow-up visits. This reduces the likelihood of costly emergency room visits and hospital stays. In this way, transportation acts as preventive care—helping patients stay healthier while saving money for health plans and providers.

Make the Most of This Open Enrollment

Open enrollment is your opportunity to build a healthcare plan that truly works for you. By paying attention to transportation benefits, you can remove one of the most common barriers to care.

At People2Care, we’re committed to making transportation simple, transparent, and reliable—for health plans, facilities, and the patients they serve.

Closing CTA:As you review your options this open enrollment season, remember: healthcare works best when patients can access it. Learn how People2Care Technology supports health plans and providers in delivering reliable transportation solutions. Explore our solutions today.