Mainers frustrated with MaineCare ride systemNew federal rules and new contractors have added up to complaints and frustration for those who use MaineCare-funded rides for non-emergency medical appointments. The Portland Press Herald has been following the issue.
Read the stories:
Oct. 7, 2013
State lacks backup plan if it drops ride broker
DHHS also says it will keep the broker system even though past ride providers could quickly resume service.
Oct. 3, 2013Maine on verge of canceling contract with rides-for-poor coordinator
DHHS says service is still inadequate and the company has until Dec. 1 to fix it.
Sept. 17, 2013
MaineCare ride firm chief calls 21-hour hold 'anomaly'
David White says there is no exact timeline for when all ride problems will be worked out.
Sept. 11, 2013Phone calls show MaineCare transport mess persists
With DHHS still evaluating the program after six weeks, the companies hired to coordinate rides say service is better. Yet phone calls placed by Rep. Matthew Peterson suggest otherwise.
Sept. 9, 2013Missed MaineCare rides drive health agency losses
Clients who don't show up for medical appointments cost health care providers both time and money.
Aug. 23, 2013'Substantial,' rapid progress sought for MaineCare rides
Commissioner Mayhew says, 'We need to see, in a matter of weeks, a significant turnaround.'
Aug. 22, 2013Loss of drivers cited for MaineCare ride troubles
A new contractor says it's recovering after many drivers quit over lower reimbursement rates.
Aug. 21, 2013MaineCare ride system favors certain patients
Because drivers can earn mileage for several at once, methadone patients almost always get rides.
Aug. 20, 2013MaineCare ride provider has history of problems
The contractor hired to coordinate rides for Maine Medicaid recipients was forced to drop a contract in Wisconsin.
Aug. 19, 2013
MaineCare ride complaint reports fail to add up
The state is reviewing the low figures by companies running in the system.
Aug. 15, 2013Maine won't drop broken rides system for state's poor
Despite thousands of complaints, a top official says it's too early to cancel company contracts, and that MaineCare is pressing for fixes.
Aug. 14, 2013
Rides issue frustrates MaineCare recipients
Scores of people across the state have missed appointments after the switch to a new transportation system.
Aug. 15, 2013Aug. 13, 2013Legislators push for quick solution on rides for Maine's poor
A lawmaker who has received some of the 2,000-plus complaint calls says they are 'heartbreaking.'
Aug. 13, 2013
Expert: Mess with Maine Medicaid rides was avoidable
State officials have said previously that the system was changed primarily to comply with Medicaid requirements.
Aug. 10, 2013
MaineCare contractors must follow strict rules
Those who provide rides have to track complaints and limit them to one percent of their clients or less.
Aug. 9, 2013
Amid troubles, some ask: Why revamp Maine ride system?
New federal rules and money were factors as officials, some skeptical, agreed to changes in the program for Maine's poor.
Aug. 8, 2013
Rides go wrong for Maine's poor
Complaints about no-shows and confusion pour in from parents and patients after federal changes disrupt the MaineCare-funded transportation system.