Hackensack Meridian Health Teams Up With Uber Health To Expand Access To Healthcare for New Jerseyans

Innovative Collaboration Offers Convenient, Personalized Transportation Solutions for Patients, Medical Students, and More

Hackensack Meridian Health today announced a new collaboration with Uber Health to provide qualifying patients with access to convenient transportation to and from medical care. This collaboration will help address a critical need—transportation—and improve access for New Jersey residents. This collaboration will offer rides for eligible patients discharged from the hospital, traveling to and from doctor’s appointments, and even assist medical students after long shifts and Monmouth University students visiting the Eatontown Urgent Care.

This initiative directly tackles transportation barriers, a key factor impacting access to healthcare, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). By leveraging Uber Health’s technology, Hackensack Meridian Health aims to reduce missed appointments and improve adherence to care plans, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.

“Uber Health is on a mission to simplify healthcare access and transform how people engage with their care,” said Zachary Clark, Uber Health's Global General Manager. “By offering seamless transportation options, we’re helping patients get the care they need, when they need it. We’re proud to work with Hackensack Meridian Health to help expand access to care across New Jersey and deliver this innovative solution to patients and providers alike.”

Robert C. Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health, emphasized the importance of this collaboration for expanding access and driving innovation in healthcare delivery. "This collaboration with Uber Health underscores our commitment to providing convenient, personalized care for all New Jerseyans," said Garrett. "By addressing transportation challenges, we're improving access to vital medical services and fostering a more equitable and patient-centered healthcare system. This is just one example of leveraging innovation to enhance the patient experience and improve health outcomes."

The program initially focuses on non-emergency medical transportation, but Hackensack Meridian Health may leverage Uber Health’s other offerings in the future, including prescription delivery, and grocery and over-the-counter item delivery, to further enhance patient care.

Uber Health’s HIPAA-enabled platform prioritizes patient privacy and is designed for ease of use for patients and healthcare providers. Riders do not need the Uber app, a credit card, or a smartphone to benefit from rides requested with Uber Health and communications are available in dozens of languages. The solution empowers care coordinators and providers to schedule rides efficiently, streamlining care coordination and helping close critical gaps in access.