Recent developments in Colorado have left thousands of Medicaid patients facing transportation woes after the state terminated its contract with MedRide, a key provider of non-emergency medical transportation services. According to Denver7, the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) cited repeated failures by MedRide to meet state and federal regulations, putting the health and safety of Medicaid members at risk.
As a result of the contract cancellation, MedRide, which had only recently been able to temporarily resume services after a suspension, will no longer receive state reimbursement for rides provided to Medicaid patients. The gap in services is especially concerning since transportation is critical for accessing medical care, as highlighted by Melissa Campbell, a Medicaid patient from Pueblo who told 9News, "I am disabled, and I don’t drive, and my husband passed away...So I have no way to get to my appointments." Campbell is just one among many who remain uncertain about their access to vital healthcare services.
In the wake of the termination, MedRide has not sat idly by. The company is actively appealing the state's decision through the Colorado Attorney General's Office. "Despite MedRide’s multiple attempts to complete HCPF’s due process for revalidation and credentialing, HCPF continues to be unresponsive," Henry Baskerville, equity partner at Fortis Law Partners representing MedRide, as obtained by Denver7.
MedRide spokesperson Andy Boian voiced frustration, claiming a lack of communication potently contributed to the contract termination. "They refuse to do that. They’ve canceled 14 meetings and ignored emails and phone calls," Boian stated in an appeal for dialogue, as reported by 9News. On the other side, Adela Flores-Brennan, Medicaid Director at HCPF, pushed back, asserting there had been "a great deal of communication" with MedRide, according to KKTV 11 News. She emphasized that the issues stemmed from MedRide's failure to provide accurate documentation.
The situation has led both parties to anticipate the next steps in court. MedRide is preparing for its chance to contest the state's decision. "We look forward to having our day in court on this," Boian told KKTV 11 News. Meanwhile, the state is similarly gearing up for the legal challenge, with Flores-Brennan noting the involvement of the Attorney General in representing the state's interests. As this dispute unfolds, Medicaid patients who previously relied on MedRide are advised to seek alternative NEMT providers or call the Colorado state helpline for assistance.
