Category: Health Tips

Massachusetts is home to some of the most renowned hospitals in the world.

However, for thousands of patients across the state, the biggest challenge in receiving medical care is not the quality of the hospital — it is how to get there.

Transportation can become a critical barrier to accessing healthcare, especially for:

• Older adults
• People with disabilities
• Low-income families
• Residents living outside major urban centers

Public health experts have warned for decades that this issue has real consequences.

At the national level, approximately 3.6 million people miss or delay medical care each year because of transportation problems (PubMed Central).

When a medical appointment is missed, the consequences can be serious:

• Delayed diagnoses
• Interrupted treatments
• Increased use of emergency rooms
• Higher costs for the healthcare system

The Impact of Transportation Barriers in Massachusetts

The problem is also visible at the local level.

A recent report on healthcare access in Boston indicates that lack of transportation remains a major barrier to accessing medical services, particularly among lower-income individuals, people with disabilities, and Latino or underserved communities (Boston.gov).

Other state data shows that:

• Only 27% of some vulnerable resident groups live near a health center, making it difficult to attend medical appointments (Massachusetts Government).
• 31% of respondents in social service programs reported missing medical care due to transportation problems (Massachusetts Government).
• Among people with mobility limitations, 41% reported skipping medical care because of transportation difficulties (Massachusetts Government).
• In western regions of Massachusetts, a shortage of specialists forces many patients to travel long distances to Boston, further complicating access to care (Massachusetts Government).

In other words, the patients who most need medical care are often the ones who face the greatest difficulty getting to it.

Transportation Is Also a Social Determinant of Health

Public health research shows that transportation is part of what are known as Social Determinants of Health, alongside factors such as housing, income, and access to healthy food.

Some studies indicate that up to 25% of missed medical appointments are related to transportation issues (PubMed Central).

Additional research shows that as many as 39% of patients in certain high-utilization groups have experienced delays or difficulties reaching medical appointments due to transportation barriers (SpringerLink).

The consequences can include:

• Poor control of chronic diseases
• Increased hospitalizations
• Disruptions in medical follow-up
• Reduced access to medications

A Little-Known Resource: Free Medical Transportation

What many patients do not know is that there are programs that help cover transportation to medical appointments.

One of the most important is non-emergency medical transportation available to beneficiaries of:

MassHealth

This program may cover transportation to:

• Medical appointments
• Therapy sessions
• Specialized treatments
• Mental health visits
• Scheduled hospital visits

Depending on the patient’s needs, transportation may include:

• Taxis or contracted vehicles
• Shared vans
• Wheelchair-accessible transportation
• Reimbursement for public transit

More information:
https://www.mass.gov/masshealth

Accessible Transportation in the Boston Area

For people with mobility limitations, the public transportation system also offers alternatives.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority provides The RIDE, a door-to-door service designed for individuals who cannot use traditional public transportation.

This program allows travel to:

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Rehabilitation centers
• Pharmacies
• Community services

More information:
https://www.mbta.com/accessibility/the-ride

Uber Health: When Technology Helps Patients Reach the Doctor

In addition to traditional medical transportation programs, some healthcare systems in the United States have begun using technology platforms to help patients get to their appointments.

One of these tools is Uber Health, a service designed specifically for the healthcare sector.

Unlike the regular ride-sharing app, Uber Health allows hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations to schedule rides for patients, even if the patient does not have a smartphone or an Uber account.

The process is relatively simple:

• The hospital or clinic schedules the ride for the patient.
• The patient receives trip information via text message or phone call.
• A driver picks the patient up at home and takes them to their medical appointment.

This model is increasingly used across the United States to reduce missed medical appointments, especially among patients facing transportation challenges.

Several studies have shown that transportation barriers are responsible for millions of missed medical visits every year, pushing hospitals and healthcare systems to look for innovative logistical solutions.

The Role of Hospitals in Addressing Social Barriers

Many healthcare systems are now actively addressing the social determinants that affect patient health.

The Mass General Brigham system offers programs that include:

• Clinical social workers
• Community navigation programs
• Social determinants of health screening

These programs help patients find resources related to:

• Transportation
• Housing
• Food access
• Financial assistance

Patients can request support during a medical appointment or by contacting the hospital’s social work department.

More information:
https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/

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Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Transportation in Massachusetts

Who can access free medical transportation?

People who receive MassHealth coverage may qualify for non-emergency medical transportation when the appointment is medically necessary.

How do you request transportation?

Typically, the medical provider or health plan must authorize the service.
Patients can also request information directly from MassHealth.

What types of transportation are offered?

Depending on the patient’s needs, options may include:

• Taxis
• Medical vans
• Wheelchair-accessible vehicles
• Public transit reimbursement

What should I do if I have difficulty getting to a medical appointment?

Patients can ask for help from:

• Hospital social workers
• Community navigation programs
• Community organizations

Resources in Massachusetts

Medical Transportation for MassHealth Patients

MassHealth
https://www.mass.gov/masshealth

Accessible Transportation in Boston

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
https://www.mbta.com/accessibility/the-ride

Patient Support Programs

Mass General Brigham
https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/

Transportation remains one of the most invisible barriers to accessing healthcare.

Improving access to medical transportation helps reduce avoidable hospitalizations, improves chronic disease management, and strengthens the overall health of communities.

Find more resources at MyHealthFair.com

By Romina Wilmot – CEO Founder My Health Fair

Understanding medical information is not just a matter of knowledge: it is a tool for health empowerment and protection.

For many Hispanic families in Massachusetts, medical terms, forms, diagnoses, or instructions in English can generate confusion, fear, and distrust.

This lack of understanding can lead to treatment errors, delays in care, or even the abandonment of essential services.

At My Health Fair (MHF), we believe that health literacy—that is, the ability to understand and use medical information—is the first step to closing the gaps that affect our community.

Understanding the Doctor to Decide Better

When a patient or family member understands what the doctor says, they can make informed decisions and actively participate in their own care.

For example, knowing how to interpret test results, understanding the side effects of a medication, or knowing the steps of a treatment allows them to act with confidence and reduce anxiety.

Conversely, when information is not understood or is misinterpreted, the relationship between the patient and the health system is weakened.

At My Health Fair, we see daily how clear medical information can change lives.

A mother who learns to read an inhaler label, a senior who understands their coverage plan, or a young person who knows their rights as a patient are examples of empowerment that positively impact the entire family.

Health Literacy: A Bridge to Equity

Health literacy is not just about reading, but about understanding and applying what is read.

According to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 9 out of 10 adults in the United States have difficulty understanding basic medical information.

Furthermore, the National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL) found that only 12% of adults have an adequate level of health literacy.

In the case of the Hispanic population, the challenge is even greater. Nearly 41% report difficulties understanding medical instructions, medication labels, or insurance forms.

These knowledge gaps contribute to inequalities in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic diseases.

Therefore, MHF works to tear down these barriers with accessible, bilingual, and culturally relevant information.

This aims to improve communication between patients, families, and healthcare professionals.

The Role of My Health Fair: Educate, Connect, and Support

At My Health Fair, we understand that alliances are the engine of community change.

That is why we work with organizations, hospitals, universities, and media outlets to bring medical information to Hispanic families for free, reliably, and culturally appropriately.

Collaborations like the ones we maintain with:

• Dana-Farber Cancer Institute,
• Alzheimer’s Association,
• Joslin Diabetes Center,
• UnitedHealthcare,
• Project Bread,
• Ferreras Counseling & Wellness Center,
• Health Connector.

And with leading media outlets such as: El Mundo Boston, Telemundo Nueva Inglaterra, Acceso Total Nueva Inglaterra, DSA9 with Francis Concepción, Univisión Nueva Inglaterra, La Cajita TV, and ¡Órale! con Verónica.

These alliances allow us to amplify the reach of resources, bring information to more homes, and create spaces for dialogue where the community feels heard.

This is about much more than institutional collaborations:

• They are bridges of trust between the health system and families.
• They are voices united by equity, promoting education and prevention in our own language.
• And they are proof that when we work together, we achieve more informed, healthier, and empowered communities.

Tips to Improve Understanding of Medical Information

1. Ask for explanations in your language. Hospitals and clinics in Massachusetts must offer free interpretation services.
2. Take notes during your appointments. Write down symptoms, questions, and the doctor’s instructions.
3. Ask without fear. There are no “silly” questions when it comes to your health.
4. Use reliable resources. Consult official sites like Mass.gov or the thematic booths at MyHealthFair.com.
5. Share the information. Teaching other family members strengthens collective knowledge and builds confidence.

The understanding of medical information is not a luxury; it is a right. At My Health Fair, we will continue to work so that every Hispanic family in Massachusetts can understand, ask, and decide confidently about their health.

This article is part of My Health Fair’s efforts to promote health literacy among the Hispanic community in Massachusetts. Visit www.myhealthfair.com to find resources, interviews, and educational tools.

Romina Wilmot is a leader in community health development and engagement, with extensive experience connecting providers, institutions, and Hispanic communities to drive equitable and innovative healthcare solutions.

Promoting healthy aging is an ongoing initiative aimed at educating people on how to maintain their health and well-being as they age.

This approach seeks to debunk misconceptions about aging and emphasize the known factors contributing to a healthy life in later years. It also aims to share available tools and resources to support older adults.

By integrating strategies such as physical activity, good nutrition, and disease prevention, it fosters a better quality of life and promotes active and healthy aging.

Healthy People 2030 and its Focus on Older Adults

Healthy People 2030 is a U.S. government initiative that sets 10-year national health goals to improve people’s health and well-being.

It has established 20 measurable objectives specifically to improve older adults’ health over the next few years. These goals include reducing chronic health issues and improving older adults’ quality of life.

Some of these goals include:

• Reducing the incidence of falls among older adults.
• Increasing access to wellness and physical activity programs.
• Promoting active aging through disease prevention.

The purpose is to address health disparities in this population, promoting healthy aging through nutrition, physical activity, and access to healthcare services.

Moreover, Healthy People 2030 provides evidence-based tools and resources that organizations and communities can use to monitor progress and set their own goals.

The initiative also offers population data to compare the health of older adults with national goals, facilitating the creation of programs that enhance this population’s well-being.

How Organizations, Caregivers, and Professionals Can Participate in Healthy People 2030

Organizations can:

• Implement Healthy People 2030 objectives to design programs and services tailored to older adults’ needs.
• Use evidence-based tools and resources to educate older people about disease prevention, access to health services, and promoting physical activity.
• Monitor population progress using data provided by Healthy People 2030 to adjust and improve local strategies.

Caregivers and healthcare professionals can:

• Leverage Healthy People 2030 resources to guide older adults in managing their health comprehensively.
• Incorporate recommended practices, such as promoting healthy diets and physical activities adapted to older adults’ abilities.
• Collaborate with families to ensure older adults receive support in all areas of well-being, including mental and physical health, and prevention efforts.

Common Myths About Aging

One of the biggest barriers to healthy aging is the prevalence of misconceptions about what it means to grow older.

1. Aging automatically means serious health problems:

While some older adults may develop chronic diseases, aging itself doesn’t necessarily mean poor health. With proper healthcare access and healthy lifestyles, many older people can live active, uncomplicated lives.

2.Older adults can’t learn new things:

This persistent myth ignores the brain’s ability to adapt and learn. Many studies have shown that older adults can acquire new skills, engage in cognitively stimulating activities, and stay mentally sharp.

3.Exercise is not safe for older adults:

In fact, physical activity is essential for healthy aging. Staying active can prevent chronic diseases, improve balance, and reduce the risk of falls, which are a leading cause of hospitalization among older adults.

What Do We Know About Healthy Aging?

Healthy aging refers to older adults’ ability to live full and active lives in all aspects: physically, mentally, and socially. To achieve this, adopting healthy lifestyle habits from a young age and continuing to practice them throughout life is crucial.

Key factors contributing to healthy aging include:

• Regular physical activity: Movement is vital for preventing diseases and maintaining mobility. Physical activity guidelines for older adults, like those promoted by the “Move Your Way®” campaign, emphasize the importance of aerobic, balance, and muscle-strengthening exercises.
• Adequate nutrition: A balanced diet based on U.S. dietary guidelines plays an important role in maintaining health. For older adults, there’s a particular emphasis on key nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, and fiber.
• Disease prevention: Regular medical check-ups, vaccinations, and managing chronic conditions are essential for long-term well-being. Additionally, access to mental health services is critical, as many older adults face challenges like depression or social isolation.

The Importance of Community and Support

Healthy aging does not happen in isolation. Public policies, community services, and access to resources play a vital role. Community programs that encourage physical activity and provide caregiver support are essential for older adults’ well-being. Moreover, efforts to reduce healthcare access inequalities are crucial to ensure that all older adults can benefit from healthy aging.

Visit https://myhealthfair.com to find health resources in your language.

Source: SAMHSA