Blue Cross Blue Shield wants to support its plan holders in every possible way. This time they have extended their support to their plan holders to get them to their doctor’s appointments. Yes, Blue Cross Blue Shield is now even willing to pay for their Lyft rides.
BCBS said in a statement- “The model couples BCBS technology with Lyft’s convenient ride-share services to reduce the number of missed appointments for non-emergency medical care in areas without optimal transportation alternatives servicing health care facilities”. Here is all you would want to know about this program.
1. Free Lyft Rides
On Wednesday, the healthcare provider announced that it will offer free Lyft rides to its plan holders. This is for those who lack reliable transportation.
2. Program To Roll Across U.S
The company intends to roll this program across the U.S. BCBS plans to roll it out in both metropolitan and rural markets.
3. Launch Date
This program is envisioned to start somewhere in August or September.
4. Program Available To BCBS Plan Holders
Initially this program would be available only for the patients who have a Blue Cross Blue Shield plan through their employer.
5. Future Plan
According to BCBS, this program could be expanded in the future to include those who obtain plans through Medicare Advantage or the Affordable Care Act.
6. How Will It Work?
No, it’s not going to be an App. Gyre Renwick, Lyft’s head of healthcare partnerships said – “We’re trying to remove the barrier for patients to need to have a smart phone,” The entire process would happen through the doctor. If an individual is eligible, the doctor’s office would see that transportation is a covered benefit while the appointment is being booked. A Lyft ride than then be scheduled in either direction. Patients can also ask for a Lyft ride on demand to the doctor’s office.
7. Eligibility
BCBS is still determining the eligibility requirements of this program. But the company said that it has software which would automatically identify which customers live in the “transportation deserts.”
8. Protection Of Patients Data
According to BCBS and Lyft the personal patient data will be totally protected. Gyre Renwick said – “We’re really only asking for first name, last name and pickup and drop-off location,”
Blue Cross Blue Shield free transportation offer is one great step to ensure that Americans do not miss or delay their medical appointments every year because of transportation issues.
Date: May 13, 2017