Recently, I became aware of a problem facing our seniors and disabled citizens. While it came to my attention as a Kennebec Valley issue concerning the contract of transporting patients to medical appointments, it is really a statewide issue concerning all eight of Maine DHHS’ Areas on Aging regions across the 16 counties.
For example, if you were not able to get to medical appointments by yourself, family or friends in these eight DHHS regions (called Areas on Aging), you would have been supported by volunteers and local contractors like KVCap or Penquis to drive you to dialysis, doctors and physical therapy appointments.
In 2023, the Kennebec Valley area contract went out to bid and Modivcare Inc. of Colorado‘s proposal was accepted by the Mills’ Administration. However, it is now in court.
Other Areas on Aging have been dealing with Modivcare Inc issues across the state and problems have been reported by other riders. Missed pick-ups and late picks-ups color the list of complaints mounting against Modivcare Inc. This out of state company receives a lucrative contract (close to 1 billion) and our seniors and disabled are suffering.
This issue comes back to local control. We need to bring the care of our elderly and disabled back home. We need locally based companies with local volunteers and paid staff to take care of our elderly and disabled.
The Mills Administration should reconsider this contract.
Rep. Shelley Rudnicki
Fairfield