Medicaid patients in Colorado will have access to Medride’s transportation services for at least two more weeks, but uncertainty looms beyond that deadline. The state’s largest non-emergency medical transport provider has been granted a temporary extension, but officials warn that patients must prepare for alternative arrangements after March 6.

Temporary Extension, Long-Term Uncertainty

On Friday, Medride regained its status as a Medicaid provider, albeit for a limited 14-day period. This decision allows thousands of Medicaid patients to continue using the service, but the reprieve is short-lived. State officials maintain that Medride has not met compliance requirements, leading to the initial contract termination. While the company insists it is working toward a resolution, the deadline remains firm for now.

Medride’s Legal Fight Ahead

Medride is not backing down. Andy Boaian, a spokesperson for the company, made it clear that they will pursue legal action if necessary.

“We will not be dead on March 6th. And we will fight in court to make sure that we’re not,” Boaian stated, reinforcing the company’s determination to continue operating.

If no agreement is reached, Medride intends to challenge the state’s decision in court, arguing that patients rely on their service for critical non-emergency medical transportation.

What Patients Need to Know

For now, Medicaid patients can schedule rides through Medride’s website. However, state officials have cautioned that after March 6, Medride will no longer be authorized to provide Medicaid-funded transport. Patients are advised to start looking for alternative providers to avoid disruptions in their medical transportation needs.

Key points for patients:

• Medride is available for Medicaid transportation until March 6.
• The state insists Medride’s contract will not be renewed without compliance.
• Patients needing rides beyond the deadline must find another provider.
• Medride is preparing for a legal battle to continue operations.

Next Steps for Medicaid Patients

While Medride pushes for a long-term solution, Medicaid users are caught in the middle. The uncertainty has left many scrambling for alternative transportation options. The state has yet to announce a replacement provider, leaving a potential gap in services for those who depend on non-emergency medical transport.

For now, Medride remains operational, but the clock is ticking. Whether a court ruling or last-minute negotiations can extend services beyond March 6 remains to be seen. Patients relying on the company for essential transportation will need to stay updated as the situation develops.