Colorado’s Medicaid authority has terminated its contract with MedRide, a major transportation provider in the state, citing concerns about public health and safety. The company, which provides transportation for Medicaid patients to medical appointments, has been accused of failing to comply with transportation requirements and submitting claims that were not legitimate.
The state Department of Health Care Policy and Financing accused MedRide of submitting claims for rides involving minors, incorrect mileage, and trips with multiple passengers, among other issues. Thousands of rides reportedly lacked proper documentation, prompting the decision to terminate the contract.
MedRide is appealing the decision and claims that the authority did not work with them to address compliance issues. The company provided over 375,000 rides last year, particularly in rural areas of Colorado, and asserts that the termination of their contract is impacting Medicaid patients’ access to vital medical services.
The authority initially suspended MedRide last week for alleged fraud but reversed the decision after the company sought legal intervention. Although the suspension was lifted, the concerns about potential fraud remain.
MedRide’s owner and president, Greg Harriman, expressed willingness to resolve the issues but emphasized the importance of timely access to healthcare for patients. The situation highlights ongoing challenges within the Medicaid transportation program in Colorado and the need for stringent oversight to ensure the safety and well-being of patients.
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