SUMMARY: Lyft drivers, like Tramaine Carr, play a vital role in Georgia’s medical transportation system, transporting seniors and patients to essential medical appointments. With rural hospital closures increasing the distance to care, ride-hailing services like Lyft and Uber have become crucial for patients across Georgia, especially those in rural areas. A significant percentage of Lyft trips are over 50 miles each way, highlighting the reliance on these services. While insurance and charity programs often help cover costs, many still face transportation barriers. Some experts advocate for subsidizing these rides for low-income residents, while others call for expanded Medicaid to improve local healthcare access.

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The post Patients Are Relying on Lyft, Uber To Travel Far Distances to Medical Care appeared first on kffhealthnews.org

SUMMARY: Patient advocates are urging Vice President Kamala Harris to enhance federal efforts to combat medical debt if she wins the upcoming presidential election. They view Harris as vital for maintaining health insurance access, highlighting the Biden administration’s strides, including protections against medical debt and the Inflation Reduction Act’s out-of-pocket cost limits for Medicare. Advocates stress the need for more robust action, as 100 million Americans grapple with medical debt. They fear that a Trump victory could reverse protective measures. Harris supports expanding government efforts to manage medical debt and calls it crucial for the financial health of Americans.

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The post Harris Backs Slashing Medical Debt. Trump’s ‘Concepts’ Worry Advocates. appeared first on kffhealthnews.org

SUMMARY: Sociologist Elena Portacolone’s research highlights the challenges faced by older adults with cognitive impairment living alone in San Francisco. Many of these individuals forget appointments and struggle with daily activities, yet only a fraction receive assistance. Approximately 4.3 million adults over 55 live alone with cognitive issues in the U.S., often becoming socially isolated and vulnerable to neglect and scams. Portacolone leads the “Living Alone With Cognitive Impairment Project,” revealing that this population is overlooked in a system that typically assumes support from family caregivers. There is a pressing need for tailored interventions to better assist these seniors.

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