The Growing Need for Wheelchair and Stretcher Transportation

Miami-Dade County, Florida, is witnessing a rapid growth in its senior population. With its warm climate, vibrant communities, and access to world-class healthcare, the county has become a haven for retirees. According to demographic trends, the number of residents aged 65 and older continues to rise, making up a significant portion of the population. As the senior population expands, so does the need for specialized support services, including reliable wheelchair and stretcher transportation for those with mobility challenges.

Among the senior residents in Miami-Dade, a substantial percentage rely on Medicaid for healthcare coverage. Medicaid serves as a critical resource for low-income seniors, helping them access essential medical care and support services. However, a considerable segment of the senior population does not qualify for Medicaid benefits due to income or asset limitations. These individuals often find themselves in a challenging position—unable to afford private transportation services but ineligible for Medicaid-covered options. This gap in coverage significantly impacts their ability to secure safe, timely, and affordable non-emergency medical transportation.

Seniors experiencing limited mobility often need assistance when being discharged from hospitals, emergency rooms, and skilled nursing facilities. Many of these individuals suffer from chronic illnesses, disabilities, or temporary injuries that make traditional transportation methods impractical.

Hospitals and skilled nursing facilities frequently discharge patients who require non-emergency medical transportation to their homes, rehabilitation centers, or assisted living facilities. Because the availability of appropriate wheelchair and stretcher transport services falls short of the demand, leading to significant delays and challenges for both patients and healthcare providers, KarKab continues working to provide a cost-effective solution.

Low income seniors receiving government assistance in the form of Medicaid receive free healthcare and transportation to and from medical appointments and hospital discharges.  However, seniors who do not qualify for Medicaid must pay out-of-pocket and often face exorbitant transportation costs.  For seniors paying privately, it is difficult to afford consistent and reliable services.  Many seniors and facility staff report lengthy delays, no-shows, or subpar service from other transportation providers.  Recognizing the growing demand with less than reputable providers, KarKab is committed to being an effective solution to the growing crisis.

To meet the increasing transportation needs of Miami-Dade County’s senior population, KarKab continues to increase fleet size with ADA-compliant wheelchair and stretcher vehicles and drivers to increase overall availability and reliability.

We continue to develop strategic partnerships with area hospitals, nursing facilities, and transportation companies to create a more streamlined discharge process.  In being wheelchair and stretcher accessible, we directly assist in helping hospitals and facilities accomplish their daily mission by reducing lengthy wait times, unnecessary overnight stays, and associated increasing cost to hospitals, the Medicare and Medicaid system, and patients.

KarKab continues to work and collaborate with local government agencies and programs to continue raiding awareness, strategizing and coordinating effective logistical solutions By improving access to timely, reliable, and cost-effective wheelchair and stretcher transport, seniors can receive the care and support they need while reducing strain on healthcare facilities.