Wheelchair Transportation Collin County and Denton County

The senior population in Collin and Denton Counties has been experiencing significant growth. In Denton County, the number of residents aged 65 and older nearly doubled between 2010 and 2019, increasing by approximately 99.55%.  Collin County has seen substantial population increases, with some cities experiencing nearly 27% growth.

Of this population, approximate 11% aged 65 and older were enrolled in Medicaid meaning approximately 89% of Collin and Denton County residents have health insurance.  These figures highlight that a significant portion of the senior population in both counties do not rely on Medicaid for their healthcare needs, underscoring the importance of accessible services for seniors not on Medicaid.

With the growing senior population, so too is the demand for wheelchair transportation Collin County and Denton County, particularly among the 89% of seniors who do not qualify for government assistance programs like Medicaid. Several factors are driving this increasing need to include an aging population, a rise in disabilities due to chronic illnesses, and the expansion of healthcare facilities.

While Medicaid beneficiaries receive free non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), those who do not qualify for Medicaid often struggle to find affordable and reliable transportation options. This includes seniors who have Medicare but no additional coverage for transportation, individuals with disabilities who do not meet Medicaid requirements, and those with temporary mobility impairments following surgery or injury.

Many hospitals and emergency rooms also face significant challenges in securing wheelchair-accessible transportation.  Hospitals need to discharge patients in a timely manner, but many patients do not have wheelchair accessible vehicles or equipment, or sometimes they simply don't have family or friends available for transportation.  Without a reliable provider like Helping Hands, patients may be forced to stay in the hospital longer than necessary, leading to higher healthcare costs and bed shortages.

While government services are readily available for those on government assistance, finding reliable, timely, and cost effective solutions for those having to pay out-of-pocket are more scarce.  Helping Hands is committed to filling that void and providing a solution.  Based in Plano, Helping Hands continues to collaborate with and support a host of area hospitals, post-acute and skilled care facilities throughout Collin and Denton Counties, and various government agencies and programs to increase awareness and provide accessibility.