The MolinaCares Accord and Molina Healthcare of Michigan Donate $65,000 to Provide Medical Transportation for Detroit-Area Seniors
DETROIT, July 22, 2024 – The MolinaCares Accord (“MolinaCares”), in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of Michigan (“Molina”), announced a donation to Matrix Human Services (“Matrix”) to enable more seniors to access transportation to medical appointments and important socialization opportunities. The $65,000 grant is intended to help remove barriers to services that can improve the overall well-being of Michiganders.
A study by University of Michigan researchers shows 1 in 5 individuals 65 and older experience some form of transportation insecurity. Data showed the insecurity for all ages was significantly higher for people of color. A separate survey by the Urban Institute found 1 in 5 adults with limited public transit access skip medical appointments.
Matrix bridges the transportation gap through its Senior Wellness initiative, funded by the City of Detroit, by providing round-trip services to non-emergency visits like doctor and dental appointments, follow-up care, treatment and surgery. Transportation for socialization gives seniors access to activities such as shopping and wellness events. The MolinaCares funding will increase the number of seniors who can participate in the program by expanding service to areas such as Highland Park, Hamtramck and Dearborn during the grant period.
“Molina believes addressing transportation insecurity as a social determinant of health is critical as it affects other needs like access to food and health care,” said Terrisca DesJardins, plan president for Molina Healthcare of Michigan. “Supporting Matrix and its Senior Wellness initiative allows individuals to build self-sufficiency as they actively participate in activities to improve their overall health.”
Senior Wellness program participants are 55 and older, retired or out of the labor force, and/or unable to work due to an illness or disability. Most participants are challenged by frailty of advanced age, poverty issues, poor health, multiple chronic health conditions, isolation, unmet nutritional needs and potential loss of ability to live independently. Through this program, case management support connects them to needed resources and assists in their efforts to remain independent and age comfortably in place.
“Matrix Human Services is immensely grateful for the support of MolinaCares,” said Starr Allen-Pettway, chief operating officer of Matrix. “With this funding, we can enhance our senior services transportation program by increasing the number of seniors served and rides offered. Whether transportation is needed for medical appointments, social events or running errands, we are there to help our older residents maintain their independence.”
About The MolinaCares Accord
Established by Molina Healthcare, Inc. in 2020, The MolinaCares Accord oversees a community investment platform created to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations by funding meaningful, measurable, and innovative programs and solutions that improve health, life, and living in local communities. The MolinaCares Accord funds such measures through The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation Inc., a 501(c)(3) established in 2020 by Molina Healthcare, Inc.
About Molina Healthcare of Michigan
Molina Healthcare of Michigan has been providing government-funded health care since 1997. The Company serves members through Medicaid, Medicare, Medicare-Medicaid (Duals), and Health Insurance Exchange programs throughout Michigan. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs, and through state insurance marketplaces. For more information about Molina Healthcare of Michigan, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.
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