Bridging the Gap: Medical Transportation in Faribault & Martin Counties

Access to medical care begins with the ability to get there. In rural communities within Faribault and Martin Counties, transportation can be the deciding factor between receiving timely care or going without. That's why Health & Human Services conducted a comprehensive Medical Transportation Assessment to better understand the complexities of the system and to bring community partners together to work on solutions. 

Here's what we learned—and why it matters.

With changing healthcare landscapes and increasing demand for services, the counties needed a clearer picture of how residents get to medical appointments—and where the system falls short. Funded by the Minnesota Department of Health, the assessment included:

• 101 resident surveys
• 93 provider surveys
• 27 in-depth interviews
• Document reviews and data analysis

Residents rely on a patchwork of services:

• MN Para (NEMT): Was offering wheelchair-accessible, door-to-door service at the time of the assessment but has closed operations as of 8/31/25.
• Volunteer Driver Programs: CREST and Interfaith Caregivers serve seniors with mobility, but no wheelchair needs.
• Prairie Lakes Transit: Public buses with limited hours and no door-to-door assistance.
• Private Rideshare Services: Royalty Rides and FAST Rideshare offer on-demand rides but lack accessibility features.
• Mileage Reimbursement: Available for Medical Assistance recipients using personal vehicles.

1. Loss of MN Para: The closure in August 2025 left a major gap in local NEMT services.
2. High Demand, Low Availability: Rides must be booked weeks in advance—on-demand needs often go unmet.
3. Complex Preauthorization: Managed care plans like UCare and Blue Plus requires time-consuming approvals.
4. Out-of-County Appointments: Most specialty care is outside the counties, but these rides are hardest to secure.
5. Emergency Room Discharges: No reliable system exists to get patients home after ER visits, especially those with mobility issues.

• 74% of residents need transportation for out-of-county care.
• 64% have missed care due to unavailable transportation.
• Over 50% of providers say transportation gaps negatively impact patient care.
• Many residents rely on friends, family, or go without care altogether.

• Dedicated local partners: Volunteer programs and public transit help fill some gaps.
• Committed staff: Case managers and long-term care staff go above and beyond to secure rides.
• Affordable options: Prairie Lakes Transit offers low-cost fares and extended hours in some towns.

The Stronger Together Coalition and its Access to Health Subcommittee are working to address these gaps. But they need community support. Want to help? Contact Jordan Niles, Public Health Planner, at 507-238-4757.

For a deeper dive into the data, stories, and solutions see the Medical Transportation Assessment Results.