Purpose of the study: This study identified factors associated with canceling nonemergency medical transportation appointments among older adult Medicaid patients.
Design and methods: Data from 125,913 trips for 2,913 Delaware clients were examined. Mediation analyses, as well as, multivariate logistic regressions were conducted.
Results: Over half of canceled trips were attributed to client reasons (e.g., no show, refusal). Client characteristics (e.g., race, sex, functional status) were associated with cancelations; however, these differed based on the cancelation reason. Regularly scheduled trips were less likely to be canceled.
Implications: The evolving American health care system may increase service availability. Additional policies can improve service accessibility and overcome utilization barriers.
Keywords: Aging; Medicaid; Older adults; Transportation.
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