Using Medicaid Disability Waivers to pay for Ride-Hailing Trips

Description

Dakota County (Minn.) residents with disabilities and older adults have long experienced a mismatch between their transportation needs and what’s been available to fill those needs. That mismatch has been characterized by limited days, hours, and areas of service, various eligibility requirements, and the necessity for significant pre-planning of trips. In March 2019, the County began offering Lyft rides as an option for individuals getting to and from employment, and later that year, to other destinations.

The transportation is provided as a billable service under specific Medicaid Home and Community Based Service Waivers (HCBS), such as for those with brain injury, developmental disabilities, Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) waivers, and Alternative Care/Elderly waivers.

Impact

To date, there have been over 1,000 unique Lyft riders through this program. Riders take, on average 20 rides each month and the average cost per ride is $18. Over 85% of riders are satisfied or extremely satisfied with their transportation and 90% report that using Lyft has reduced their transportation barriers. Riders report their transportation with Lyft is less stressful (65%), more reliable (60%), and provides an opportunity to work flexibly (45%) and to live more spontaneously.