{"id":8399,"date":"2024-01-10T19:30:00","date_gmt":"2024-01-10T19:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=8399"},"modified":"2024-01-10T19:30:00","modified_gmt":"2024-01-10T19:30:00","slug":"va-uber-health-connect-program-nets-big-results","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=8399","title":{"rendered":"VA Uber Health Connect program nets big results"},"content":{"rendered":"

Originally published:<\/strong> 2024-01-10T19:30:00+00:00. Historical source article: benefits, rules, amounts and deadlines may have changed. Check the official source for current information.<\/p>\n

A new ridesharing program for eligible Veterans in need of transportation to medical appointments is producing big results for Pittsburgh VA<\/a>. Surveys and data show VHA Uber Health Connect (VUHC)<\/a> is reliable, cost effective and most importantly, popular with Veterans.<\/p>\n

VUHC provides eligible Veterans with free Uber rides to and from medical appointments. Donald Koenig, Pittsburgh VA\u2019s director, says the rideshare program helps to ensure Veterans do not miss important appointments. It also cuts back on no-shows and reduces wait times.<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh VA launched the service in May to supplement its existing transportation program. To use the service, Veterans must be ambulatory, eligible for VA travel pay and have a common carrier beneficiary travel consult from their provider.<\/p>\n

Ishmael Kwakwa, mobility manager, says VUHC ridership grew from 174 trips in the program\u2019s first month to a total of 7,316 as of November. Since its start, the program has accounted for 24 percent of the 30,183 trips provided through the facility\u2019s transportation service.<\/p>\n

Kwakwa says cost savings are significant. A one-way trip from University Drive to the airport with its current contracted provider is $114 versus VUHC\u2019s $42 to $56 (based on time of day).<\/p>\n

Veterans pleased with the service<\/h2>\n

Members of Pittsburgh VA\u2019s transportation team\u2014pictured above\u2014stand ready to assist Veterans who need rides to and from their medical appointments.<\/p>\n

A survey sent to 300 VUHC riders indicates Veterans are pleased with the service. They were asked to rate their experiences in several areas, on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 the highest:<\/p>\n