Numerous health plans are eliminating or reducing transportation benefits, which play a critical role in accessing care for older adults, people with chronic conditions, disabilities or mobility challenges

ST. GEORGE, Utah, Nov. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As Medicare open enrollment is underway, American Logistics, a leading national transportation management company serving the healthcare industry, is reminding Medicare beneficiaries, and those considering a switch to Medicare Advantage, to look beyond premiums, prescription coverage and provider networks when evaluating their health plan options for 2027 to ensure access to transportation benefits.

It’s important to check because numerous health plans have eliminated or drastically limited transportation benefits according to recent analysis by KFF, a national health policy researcher.  Experts at American Logistics are urging shoppers to ensure their current plan offers a non-emergent medical transportation benefit, which provides specialized, scheduled rides to and from healthcare appointments.

“Transportation is often an overlooked part of the healthcare equation until someone needs it, and for someone managing a chronic condition, recovering from a procedure, using a wheelchair or simply no longer feeling comfortable driving, reliable transportation can determine whether they make it to an appointment or miss it,” said Darren Harline, chief operating officer of American Logistics. “During open enrollment, we encourage Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers to consider transportation as part of the overall value of a health plan and make sure the benefit meets their needs for the year ahead.”

For millions of older adults and people living with chronic health conditions or mobility challenges, getting to and from medical care can be just as important as the care itself. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) as a supplemental benefit to help eligible members get to physician appointments, dialysis, physical therapy, behavioral health services, outpatient procedures and other trips allowed under the plan.

Some Medicare Advantage plans may also offer non-medical transportation (NMT) through Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI). These benefits are available to enrollees who meet the plan’s eligibility criteria and are intended to help maintain or improve health or function.

Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug plans can change their costs, coverage, provider networks and supplemental benefits from year to year. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) advises beneficiaries enrolled in these plans to review materials from their current plans, including the Annual Notice of Change and Evidence of Coverage.

Beneficiaries should look specifically for information about whether transportation is offered, which types of trips are eligible, how many rides or miles are included, whether there are geographic or destination restrictions, and whether prior authorization, advance notice or other requirements apply.

Transportation benefits can be particularly important for Medicare beneficiaries who:

• Have mobility limitations or use a wheelchair, walker, oxygen or other medical equipment
• Are managing chronic conditions that require frequent or recurring appointments, such as dialysis or cancer treatment
• Need transportation following a medical procedure or hospitalization
• Have visual, physical or cognitive limitations that make driving difficult or unsafe
• Do not have a reliable vehicle or a family member or caregiver available to provide transportation
• Need assistance getting from their home to a vehicle or from the vehicle to a medical facility
• Require specialized transportation, such as ambulatory, wheelchair-accessible or stretcher service

American Logistics provides transportation benefit management for Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, dual-eligible special needs plans (D-SNPs), Medicare-Medicaid Plans and other health plan populations, coordinating transportation options designed to meet a range of member needs. Its Medicare transportation services include ambulatory, wheelchair-accessible and stretcher transportation, as well as curb-to-curb and door-to-door service when medically appropriate and authorized under the member’s plan benefit.

“The right plan is the one that provides the combination of coverage, access and affordability that best fits an individual’s needs and open enrollment is the opportunity to look at the whole picture,” added Harline. “A plan may look attractive based on its premium or prescription benefits, but if a beneficiary depends on transportation to receive ongoing medical care, the availability and terms of that benefit deserve a place in the decision.”

Medicare Open Enrollment runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, 2026 and beneficiaries can compare 2027 Medicare health and prescription drug plans through Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE for assistance.

About American Logistics
Founded in 1999, headquartered in St. George, UT., American Logistics is an industry leading technology-enabled services company known for delivering high-quality transportation management for healthcare payors and systems nationwide. The company is committed to innovative coordination for Medicaid and Medicare populations that lack access to care for healthier living through its’ proprietary technology, remarkable people, and quality transportation provider network in markets across the United States. To learn more about the American Logistics pledge to add equitable transportation options and improve health outcomes for your valued patient populations, visit americanlogistics.com.

CONTACT:
Brandon Piersant
Chief Marketing Officer
(949) 412-3581
BPiersant@americanlogistics.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-logistics-urges-medicare-advantage-beneficiaries-to-consider-transportation-benefits-when-reviewing-2027-plan-options-302934555.html

SOURCE American Logistics