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Reviewing Medicare Advantage plans? Check your ride to the doctor
Transportation benefits deserve attention alongside other benefits
Updated:
key insights:
For retirees who depend on others to reach medical appointments, transportation deserves a place on the Medicare shopping checklist.
American Logistics, a company that manages transportation services for health plans, is urging beneficiaries to examine ride benefits when comparing 2027 Medicare Advantage options. The company says some plans have eliminated or sharply restricted that coverage.
Some Medicare Advantage plans provide scheduled, nonemergency rides to appointments, including dialysis and physical therapy. Availability and restrictions depend on the plan. American Logistics says these benefits can be especially important for people who use wheelchairs, manage chronic illnesses, or no longer drive.
A practical starting point is to ask each prospective plan how many trips it covers, whether mileage limits apply, and how far ahead rides must be booked. Also ask whether wheelchair-accessible vehicles or help getting between the home and vehicle are available.
Consider making a list of your regular appointments before comparing benefits. Someone with weekly treatment needs should evaluate transportation differently from someone who expects only occasional office visits. Ask the insurer to explain how its rules would apply to your actual schedule.
Review the documents for next year
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services advises beneficiaries to read their Annual Notice of Change and Evidence of Coverage. Health and drug plans can change costs, coverage, and provider or pharmacy networks each year, so this year’s experience does not establish what a plan will offer in 2027.
Transportation should be part of that broader review. Compare it alongside access to your doctors, prescription coverage, and expected out-of-pocket expenses.
Beneficiaries have until December 7 to make changes during Medicare’s annual open enrollment period. Changes take effect January 1, 2027. Those whose existing plans remain available and continue to meet their needs generally do not need to take action to keep them.