McMinnville, Ore. — Yamhill Community Care Organization (Yamhill CCO) launched its WellRide program starting October 1st. One of the most common and difficult barriers against receiving health services is access to transportation, and WellRide will reduce that barrier for many members. WellRide is a new product offered by Yamhill CCO, operated by First Transit, which will deliver non-emergent medical transportation (NEMT) to its members. WellRide is not an ambulance service and will not be available in an emergency, but instead is a resource to increase access to care.
WellRide will pick up any member, going to an appointment or to obtain covered services, who cannot find another method of transport. These appointments and services can include primary care visits, specialist visits, dental and behavioral health services, physical therapy, dialysis, and pharmacy. WellRide will also reimburse for travel costs, whether for mileage or public transit fare, and can make accommodations for wheelchairs, stretchers, and secured transport. Personal assistants can ride with the member at no cost. As a covered benefit, WellRide is completely free for CCO members.
“We simply cannot help our members improve and maintain good health if they cannot get to their appointments, therapies, or pharmacies. WellRide is a major step forward for members and service providers alike. The ability to manage this locally and serve our members in this way fills a significant gap and will substantially improve care in our communities,” said Lori Van Zanten, Yamhill CCO Board Chair, and Providence Newberg Medical Center’s CEO.
Yamhill CCO WellRide replaced TripLink, which previously assisted Yamhill CCO members and their transportation needs. TripLink ceased providing transportation services to Yamhill CCO members on Sept. 30, 2015. The only change Yamhill CCO members will see is a new phone number to call for arranging transportation services. They will still see many of the same great drivers and transportation companies they always have. If needed, Yamhill CCO WellRide can help provide transportation for members even with short notice. They need to tell the operator if they have urgent transportation needs, such as a ride to an urgent care clinic, or if they require transportation to and from dialysis or chemotherapy.
For more information about the program, contact Bonnie Corns at bcorns@yamhillcco.org.
Members seeking to use WellRide can call 1-844-256-5720 to ask questions or schedule a ride.