Eligible patients, health plan members, and Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries can now request a ride to and from medical appointments via Lyft Pass for Healthcare. The rideshare company hopes this new option will “put the power of Lyft into the patient’s hand,” providing more flexibility and control over their healthcare journey—literally.
“We’re inserting a world-class technology many are already familiar with into patients’ care journey,” Megan Callahan, VP of Lyft Healthcare, said in a statement. “By leveraging our superpower in consumer tech, we’ve automated an important piece of health access that allows patients to be self-sufficient and in control, while allowing our partners to focus on the services they provide, rather than on administrative processes.”
Lyft Pass for Healthcare promises rides to and from recurring appointments, public transportation, vaccinations, checkups, prescription pickups, etc. There are some restrictions, though. Since sponsoring healthcare or social services organizations cover the costs, they determine the total budget, maximum cost of each ride, approved pickup and drop-off locations, and when the pass can be used.
It’s unclear exactly how someone applies for a Lyft Pass, which is shared via phone number, code, or direct link. Recipients are notified within the main app, where they enter the location and time and apply the branded pass. Funding groups can bundle ride offers, valid between set dates and times.
“We’re proud to add Lyft Pass for Healthcare to our growing set of healthcare products and solutions,” the company said in a blog announcement. “With Lyft Healthcare, we remain committed to addressing our partners’ and their patients’ and members’ different access to healthcare transportation needs.”
The news comes just days after rival Uber teamed up with PayPal and Walgreens to provide free trips to COVID-19 vaccine sites. The joint Vaccine Access Fund invites customers to donate money to help folks in underserved communities get their jab.
