Lightweight Scooter Restores Independence to Member

For seniors and those with chronic illness, transportation is key to independence and access to healthy food, social connections and healthcare. For about 3.6 million Americans, lack of transportation creates a barrier to medical care. Humana works to close this gap by offering transportation benefits that vary by Medicare Advantage (MA) plan type.

For Humana MA member Phillip, 69, transportation equals independence. Phillip broke his back 3 years ago and began using mobility aids to walk around his house. He also used a scooter to move about his community. Initially he could place his scooter on a lift installed on his car, but as his strength and mobility worsened, he was no longer able to do so on his own. Without a way to transport the scooter, Phillip lost access to reliable transportation to medical appointments, trips to the grocery store, or to visit family and friends. 

“I don’t really have anybody who can help me consistently,” said Phillip. “Somebody might offer to help get me to a doctor’s appointment, but then back out at the last minute. Then I’d have to cancel the appointment.” 

Phillip reached out to his Humana care manager*, Lisa Stuart, RN. Lisa helped Phillip learn how he could purchase a lightweight scooter which he could manage alone. “He is now able to go all the places he needs to go such as the grocery store, the doctor and even traveling,” Lisa said. “And since getting the lightweight scooter, Phillip has flown to visit his daughter for the first time in 2 years.” 

With Humana’s help, Phillip has regained his independence and quality of life. 

The benefits mentioned are a part of a special supplemental program for the chronically ill. Not all members qualify. Your results may vary. It may not be typical to improve health conditions by taking the actions Phillip did.

*Care managers are assigned only to members who meet eligibility criteria and agree to participate in one of Humana’s Care Support programs.