1. Maximizing Public Transit in NEMT Programs through Travel Training

2. Welcome & Introductions
Alaina Macia
President & CEO
Kyle Collett
Florida Director of Operations
ROBYN
Use the chat function on WebEx or to ask questions!

3. NEMT Background Non-emergency medical transportation
Ensures eligible members get to approved medical appointments for:
Medicare & Medicaid programs
Managed care organizations
State & county governments
Hospitals & health systems
ALAINA

4. NEMT Background
Ensuring consistent transportation access to healthcare enhances member health outcomes, leading to cost savings
Preventative care is much less expensive than emergency care
ALAINA

5. NEMT is provided via a variety of modes:
NEMT Background
NEMT is provided via a variety of modes:
Door-to-door transportation
Curb-to-curb transportation
Public transit
Gas mileage reimbursement
ALAINA

6. Travel Training Background
What is It?
Teaches individuals the skills they need to ride public transportation
Travel Trainers provide on-the-bus training to ensure safe, independent travel
Types of Travel Training
One-on-one training
Group training
Train the trainer training
ALAINA

7. Establishing Travel Training within NEMT
NEMT Goal
Ensure members utilize the safest, most appropriate mode of transportation based on their physical & cognitive needs
Solution
If a member has the ability to use public transit, travel training teaches them how to use the bus/train to get to their appointments
ALAINA

8. Where Does MTM Use This Model?
ALAINA

9. Travel Trainer Duties Facilitate assessments
Conduct path of travel assessments
Complete travel training
Discuss transit options
Perform education, training & outreach with local agencies, medical facilities, etc.
KYLE

10. Assessments
Determine the most appropriate mode of transportation, based on the member’s needs
Used in conjunction with a level of need process or professional verification
Not a medical model; instead, focused on the member’s functional ability to ride public transit
Similar to ADA paratransit eligibility assessment process
KYLE

11. Assessments Assessments can include: Interview
Physical functional assessment
Cognitive assessment
Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE)
KYLE

12. Path of Travel Assessments
Travel Trainer reviews the entire path of travel between the member’s starting & ending points
Ensures it would be accessible for the member
KYLE

13. Travel Training Individualized, one-on-one training
Provided to approved medical appointment destinations
Conducted in the real-life transit environment
Not time-limited
Documentation shows progress
Training tools encourage learning
KYLE

14. Discuss Transit Options
Walk member through the process & rules
Can reduce calls to the call center & rule violations
Travel Trainer acts as a resource for the member
KYLE

15. Education, Training & Outreach
Ensures staff at local agencies & medical facilities are aware of accessible transportation options, as well as the NEMT process
Provide train the trainer activities to staff
KYLE

16. Important Notes Not a medical model
Only successful if public transit is the member’s most appropriate mode of transportation
Look at specific trips & path of travel on those trips
Prevention vs. convenience
KYLE

17. The Path to Success
Components of a successful NEMT travel training program:
A reliable public transit readily available
Relationship with public transit agency
Support of the contract holder
ALAINA

18. Best Practices Home visits to conduct assessments
Collaboration between all aspects of the program
Travel Trainer trained in both assessments & travel training
Appeals process to appeal mode decisions
Technology available to note mode
ALAINA

19. Unique Practices Technology for use in the field Feeder service
Conditional eligibility
Trip-by-trip eligibility
KYLE

20. Potential Pitfalls
Members may feel you are taking away their transportation
Complaints may increase
Enforcement issues
Difficulty in contacting members
KYLE

21. 2016 NEMT Travel Training Results
Downgrade Rate: 10%
Annual Savings per Downgrade: $5,000
Total Cost Savings: $930,000
ALAINA

22. Success Story: Steve Trips per Week Two Cost Savings per Trip $12.75
Before Travel Training
Didn’t ride the bus because he isn’t able to read
After Travel Training
Understands how to catch his bus based on time & the bus number
Able to get a job because he learned how to get there on the bus
Says travel training was the best experience of his life
ALAINA

23. Success Story: Marcy Trips per Week Six Cost Savings per Trip $11.50
Before Travel Training
Knew where bus stops were, but due to severe anxiety, she never left the house
After Travel Training
Attends psycho-social rehab three days per week
Says she can’t imagine her life without the travel training program
ALAINA

24. Questions?
Use the chat function on WebEx or to ask questions!
ROBYN