Listen to this article

Hackensack Meridian Health is teaming up with ride-hailing platform Uber Health to help improve health care access for New Jerseyans.

As part of a collaboration announced June 12, eligible patients will receive offers for rides after discharge from one of HMH’s 18 hospitals, or when traveling to and from network-affiliated doctors’ appointments. Additionally, Uber Health will assist medical students after long shifts as well as Monmouth University students visiting Eatontown Urgent Care.

HMH will also offer the option across its network of more than 500 patient care locations statewide. These sites include ambulatory care centers, surgery centers, rehabilitation centers, urgent care and physician practice locations, a spokesperson said.

Since transportation barriers are a key factor impacting health care access, HMH hopes leveraging Uber Health‘s technology will reduce missed appointments and improve adherence to care plans.

An Uber subsidiary, more than 4,000 health care networks use Uber Health’s Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-enabled platform to coordinate non-emergency medical transportation, as well as delivery of prescriptions, groceries and other essential items to patients’ homes.

“Uber Health is on a mission to simplify healthcare access and transform how people engage with their care,” shared Uber Health Global General Manager Zachary Clark. “By offering seamless transportation options, we’re helping patients get the care they need, when they need it. We’re proud to work with Hackensack Meridian Health to help expand access to care across New Jersey and deliver this innovative solution to patients and providers alike.”

‘Leveraging innovation’

HMH Chief Executive Officer Robert Garrett emphasized the importance of the partnership for expanding access and driving innovation in health care delivery.

“This collaboration with Uber Health underscores our commitment to providing convenient, personalized care for all New Jerseyans,” said Garrett. “By addressing transportation challenges, we’re improving access to vital medical services and fostering a more equitable and patient-centered healthcare system. This is just one example of leveraging innovation to enhance the patient experience and improve health outcomes.”

At HMH, the program will initially focus on non-emergency medical transportation. The system also says it may expand it in future to include delivery of essential goods and prescriptions.

According to Uber Health, riders do not need the Uber app, a credit card or a smartphone to benefit from rides requested with Uber Health; communications are available in dozens of languages. Because the cost is billed directly to the health care provider, patients typically do not pay for Uber Health rides.