Hackensack Meridian Health has partnered with Uber Health to offer transportation to eligible patients and students, aiming to reduce barriers to medical care across New Jersey.
The program will provide rides for qualifying patients leaving the hospital or heading to and from medical appointments. It will also serve Monmouth University students visiting the Eatontown Urgent Care and assist Hackensack Meridian medical students after long shifts.
Barriers to Transportation
Transportation is a major hurdle in accessing care, according to the National Institutes of Health. Hackensack Meridian Health officials say the new effort aims to cut down on missed appointments and improve health outcomes by ensuring patients can get to where they need to be.
“Uber Health is on a mission to simplify healthcare access and transform how people engage with their care,” said Zachary Clark, Uber Health’s global general manager.
“By offering seamless transportation options, we’re helping patients get the care they need, when they need it. We’re proud to work with Hackensack Meridian Health to help expand access to care across New Jersey and deliver this innovative solution to patients and providers alike,” Clark added.
Hackensack Meridian Health CEO Robert C. Garrett said the collaboration supports the system’s goals of accessibility and innovation.
“This collaboration with Uber Health underscores our commitment to providing convenient, personalized care for all New Jerseyans,” Garrett said.
“By addressing transportation challenges, we’re improving access to vital medical services and fostering a more equitable and patient-centered healthcare system,” Garrett added.
Non-Emergency Focus
The partnership currently focuses on non-emergency medical transportation. In the future, Hackensack Meridian may also use Uber Health to deliver prescriptions, groceries, and over-the-counter items.
Uber Health’s platform is HIPAA-enabled, allows providers to book rides without requiring patients to have a smartphone or the Uber app, and supports multiple languages. The system is designed to help care teams manage rides and coordinate care more efficiently.