Missouri NEMT Success: Insights from a New White Paper
Access to healthcare is a cornerstone of overall wellbeing, but for many Medicaid members, getting to appointments can be a significant barrier. Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services bridge that gap—and in states like Missouri where MTM Health operates the NEMT benefit, members have reliable access to care. A recent white paper from Washington University in St. Louis titled Transportation Benefits in Missouri Medicaid dives into how Missouri’s NEMT program is making a difference. As a key player in this space, MTM Health is proud to be part of this success story, delivering reliable transportation solutions for members in our home state.
MTM Health’s Role in Missouri NEMT
At MTM Health, we’re committed to ensuring Medicaid members nationwide can access the care they need, when they need it. In Missouri, we partner with the state to manage NEMT services, coordinating rides for members to medical appointments, pharmacies, and other essential healthcare destinations. The white paper underscores how this collaboration is paying off, with Missouri’s NEMT program standing out as a model of efficiency and impact. Our work focuses on removing transportation barriers, and it’s exciting to see the data back up what we’ve observed on the ground: NEMT is transforming lives by connecting people to care.
The white paper’s findings were enriched by a recent panel discussion featuring speakers like Andrea Barton Reeves, Director of the Division of Medical Services at the Connecticut Department of Social Services. Andrea’s expertise in Medicaid policy, as well as her organization’s partnership with MTM Health for NEMT services in Connecticut, brought valuable perspective to the conversation. Andrea’s insights into Medicaid’s role in supporting vulnerable populations resonate with our efforts in Missouri, Connecticut, and beyond, reinforcing the importance of tailored, reliable NEMT solutions.
What’s Going Well in Missouri’s NEMT Program
What did the white paper and panel uncover about Missouri’s NEMT success? Here are the standout points:
- High Utilization and Satisfaction: Missouri’s NEMT program is seeing robust usage, with members consistently relying on it to reach healthcare services. Feedback suggests that users value the reliability and convenience—key markers of a system that’s working.
- Improved Health Outcomes: By ensuring consistent access to appointments, NEMT is linked to better management of chronic conditions and preventive care, reducing missed visits that can lead to costly health declines.
- Cost Efficiency: The program delivers significant value, with transportation costs proving to be a smart investment compared to the expense of untreated medical issues. It’s a win-win for members and the state.
- Strong Coordination: The white paper praises the seamless coordination between MTM Health and Missouri’s Medicaid system, ensuring rides are scheduled and executed smoothly.
These findings reflect what MTM Health strives for every day: a service that’s dependable, impactful, and responsive to community needs. The panel’s discussions emphasized that Missouri’s success stems from a commitment to collaboration and innovation—principles we’re proud to uphold.
Looking Ahead
The white paper is more than a report—it’s a testament to how NEMT can transform healthcare access when done right. We’re honored to play a role in Missouri’s NEMT story—and we’re excited to see where this journey takes us next.
Want to dig into the details? Check out the full white paper Transportation Benefits in Missouri Medicaid for a deeper look at the data and insights driving this success.
