Bridging the Gap: How MTM Health Tackles SDOH

MTM Health has always been dedicated to breaking down barriers to care through safe, reliable non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). Every year, we provide more than 35 million trips for Medicaid and Medicare members, ensuring they can get to the healthcare appointments that keep them healthy.

But what if access to healthcare is only part of the equation?

Health outcomes are shaped by far more than medical care. Forward-thinking health plans recognize the vital role of social determinants of health (SDOH)—the conditions in which people are born, live, work, and age. According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, these factors can influence up to 80% of a person’s health outcomes. That means a person’s housing, job opportunities, access to healthy food, and social connections are often more powerful indicators of health than clinical care alone.

For Medicaid and Medicare members, these challenges are all too real. Low-income households may struggle to afford nutritious food, maintain safe housing, or secure steady employment. Older adults often face mobility issues and increasing reliance on caregivers to remain active and independent. Without the right support, these gaps can snowball into poor health and higher healthcare costs.

Transportation: the Overlooked SDOH Solution

Transportation isn’t just about getting to a doctor’s appointment—it’s the key that unlocks opportunity. Reliable transportation connects members to:

• Better jobs and education that lead to financial stability
• Daily essentials like grocery stores, pharmacies, and healthy food options
• Social and recreational activities that combat isolation and promote mental wellbeing

That’s why MTM Health’s solutions go beyond NEMT. We partner with health plans to expand transportation benefits to cover non-medical trips—ensuring members can get to community services, family gatherings, job interviews, and more. By broadening access to transportation, we help members stay connected, supported, and engaged in their communities.

Supporting Aging Members and Their Caregivers

For aging adults, the challenges of SDOH are compounded by a nationwide caregiver shortage. Family members often step in to fill the gap, sacrificing work hours, income, and even their own health to provide care.

To ease this burden, MTM Health developed Wanda, our direct-to-consumer platform that connects caregivers with a trusted resource for safe, reliable transportation services, helping their aging friends and family members access the community resources they need.

For health plans, Wanda offers even greater potential. Through our proprietary MTM Link platform, we can help health plans coordinate these same services, ensuring members can age in place safely and comfortably.

Driving Better Outcomes, Together

By tackling transportation barriers and other critical SDOH, MTM Health helps health plans improve member health, reduce avoidable healthcare costs, and create stronger, healthier communities. Whether it’s a ride to a job interview, a grocery store, or a family celebration, we’re here to connect members to the life they deserve—one trip at a time.