Hospitals would help vulnerable patients get to medical appointments

Hospitals and home health agencies would provide vulnerable patients access to transportation for medical appointments. Covered patients include people who live in isolated areas, have low incomes, have trouble using English or reading, have disabilities, or are older adults struggling with dementia. A companion provided through a hospital or home health agency at the patient’s request would ensure the patient gets to and from appointments. Travel could use the patient’s own transportation, public transportation, or health care transportation.

Hospitals and home health agencies would make transportation easier to request and coordinate. Patient online accounts would include a place to request transportation services for an appointment companion for vulnerable patients. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health would issue rules to put these requirements into practice. Automatic carryover would apply when the medical appointment for which the patient requested transportation is scheduled.