Growing Demand for Wheelchair and Gurney Transportation

Sacramento County is experiencing a significant shift by a rapidly growing senior population. This trend has led to an increased demand for specialized transportation services, particularly wheelchair and gurney transportation, to accommodate the needs of seniors and those with mobility issues. The rising demand is evident across various sectors, including hospitals, emergency rooms, post acute skilled care facilities, nursing homes, and seniors who do not qualify for Medi-Cal benefits.

The number of residents aged 65 and older in the Sacramento County has been increasing at an unprecedented rate. Between 2010 and 2020, this demographic grew by more than 50%, marking the fastest rate of growth in 130 years.  Projections indicate that by 2040, this number will further multiply representing a 177% increase from the year 2000.   This surge is primarily attributed to the aging baby boomer generation. 

As the senior population expands, there is a heightened need for healthcare services, long-term care, and supportive infrastructure to cater to their specific requirements.  Hospitals, emergency rooms, and medical centers face significant operational and
financial challenges when they lack adequate wheelchair and stretcher transportation
for discharged patients. Without reliable non-emergency medical transportation
(NEMT), patients who are medically cleared for discharge may be forced to stay
overnight simply because they have no safe way to leave the facility. This not only
leads to unnecessary bed occupancy, straining hospital capacity and reducing
available space for incoming patients in need of urgent care, but it also creates
financial losses, as hospitals typically cannot bill insurance or patients for
extended stays that are not medically necessary.

Additionally, prolonged stays increase the risk of hospital-acquired infections and
patient dissatisfaction, further impacting the facility's overall efficiency and
reputation. Ensuring that transportation services are readily available is crucial
for optimizing patient flow, improving financial sustainability, and maintaining
high-quality care.

Medi-Cal offers coverage for NEMT services, ensuring that eligible seniors can access medical appointments and treatments.  However, a substantial segment of the senior population does not qualify for Medi-Cal benefits and, therefore, lacks access to subsidized NEMT services. These individuals often face difficulties in securing affordable and appropriate transportation to medical appointments and other essential services. While some may utilize Non-Medical Transportation (NMT) options, the availability and affordability of such services remain concerns.

Determining the exact percentage of seniors in Sacramento County who are on government assistance versus those who are not is complex due to varying eligibility criteria and program participation rates. However, it is noteworthy that 14.1% of the county's population lives below the federal poverty level, indicating a significant portion of residents who may rely on government assistance programs with the rest of non-qualifying seniors are forced to pay out-of-pocket for non-emergency medical transportation services. 

Gold Mountain Transport continues to collaborate and partner with hospitals, emergency rooms, nursing facilities and supporting agencies throughout Sacramento County and surrounding regions to include Roseville, Placer, Auburn, and beyond to increase accessibility and raise awareness for increased support services.