The Reconstruct Challenge is a platform that helps organizations who care about systemic issues find innovators that are working to solve them — innovators that might lack the right connections to make it possible.
This year, we are specifically targeting innovations that seek to improve Non-Emergency Medical Transportation and Healthcare Access
Selected innovations will receive $100,000 to implement their solutions in the Louisville region.
After an 18 month proof-of-concept phase, the 5 innovations will have a chance to apply for follow on capital based on their proof-of-concept outcomes. One of the 5 will receive $250,000 follow on.
Both for-profit and non-profit innovations are welcome to apply.
Application opens: June 6, 2023
Application closes: August 10th, 2023
Showcase event: September 20, 2023
Non-emergency Medical Transportation and Access Problem Statement
Approximately 15.7% of residents in Louisville live in poverty, with higher rates in communities of color. Individuals experiencing poverty are more likely to face logistical challenges in accessing healthcare services, since they may struggle to afford the cost of transportation, especially when their healthcare needs require frequent medical visits.
Marginalized communities, including low-income individuals, communities of color, elderly populations, and people with disabilities face significant barriers in accessing reliable, affordable and suitable transportation options. These challenges are limiting their ability to access essential services, employment opportunities, and social connections. Barriers associated with NEMT and healthcare access often result in delayed or missed health appointments, inability to fill prescriptions, and inadequate healthcare management, and other social barriers to health, ultimately leading to poorer health outcomes.
Non-emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) options sometimes exist to help patients reach medical facilities for non-emergency appointments, treatments, or follow-ups, but are often unaffordable, unavailable, not culturally sensitive, or otherwise inaccessible, particularly in economically disadvantaged and rural communities. Many NEMT providers may not adequately cater to diverse linguistic and cultural needs, leading to a lack of trust and misunderstanding, which can discourage individuals from utilizing NEMT services even if they are otherwise available. The lack of insurance coverage or limited reimbursement options for NEMT further exacerbates financial burdens, creating multiple barriers to accessing health services.
Reconstruct Challenge: NEMT and healthcare access is seeking to find and fund innovations addressing access to healthcare and NEMT in the Louisville region. This is an open call for solutions that address related challenges. Some particular areas of interest include:
Enhancing public transportation systems in underserved areas
Increasing the availability of accessible vehicles and transportation options for individuals with disabilities
Fostering partnerships between healthcare providers and transportation agencies to coordinate NEMT services
Establishing referral networks to connect patients with appropriate transportation options
Coordinating transportation services alongside healthcare appointments and schedules
Providing cultural competency training for NEMT staff to better understand and meet the needs of diverse populations.
Promoting inclusive and culturally sensitive practices in NEMT service delivery
Increasing affordability of NEMT services
Establishing volunteer driver programs or ridesharing initiatives for non-emergency medical transportation, or other community-driven transportation coordination and support systems
Otherwise improving accessibility of healthcare for those who lack affordable transportation options
Reconstruct Challenge: NEMT and Healthcare Access
The Reconstruct Challenge is a platform that helps organizations who care about systemic issues find innovators that are working to solve them — innovators that might lack the right connections to make it possible.
This year, we are specifically targeting innovations that seek to improve Non-Emergency Medical Transportation and Healthcare Access
Selected innovations will receive $100,000 to implement their solutions in the Louisville region.
After an 18 month proof-of-concept phase, the 5 innovations will have a chance to apply for follow on capital based on their proof-of-concept outcomes. One of the 5 will receive $250,000 follow on.
Both for-profit and non-profit innovations are welcome to apply.
Application opens: June 6, 2023
Application closes: August 10th, 2023
Showcase event: September 20, 2023
Non-emergency Medical Transportation and Access Problem Statement
Approximately 15.7% of residents in Louisville live in poverty, with higher rates in communities of color. Individuals experiencing poverty are more likely to face logistical challenges in accessing healthcare services, since they may struggle to afford the cost of transportation, especially when their healthcare needs require frequent medical visits.
Marginalized communities, including low-income individuals, communities of color, elderly populations, and people with disabilities face significant barriers in accessing reliable, affordable and suitable transportation options. These challenges are limiting their ability to access essential services, employment opportunities, and social connections. Barriers associated with NEMT and healthcare access often result in delayed or missed health appointments, inability to fill prescriptions, and inadequate healthcare management, and other social barriers to health, ultimately leading to poorer health outcomes.
Non-emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) options sometimes exist to help patients reach medical facilities for non-emergency appointments, treatments, or follow-ups, but are often unaffordable, unavailable, not culturally sensitive, or otherwise inaccessible, particularly in economically disadvantaged and rural communities. Many NEMT providers may not adequately cater to diverse linguistic and cultural needs, leading to a lack of trust and misunderstanding, which can discourage individuals from utilizing NEMT services even if they are otherwise available. The lack of insurance coverage or limited reimbursement options for NEMT further exacerbates financial burdens, creating multiple barriers to accessing health services.
Reconstruct Challenge: NEMT and healthcare access is seeking to find and fund innovations addressing access to healthcare and NEMT in the Louisville region. This is an open call for solutions that address related challenges. Some particular areas of interest include:
Enhancing public transportation systems in underserved areas
Increasing the availability of accessible vehicles and transportation options for individuals with disabilities
Fostering partnerships between healthcare providers and transportation agencies to coordinate NEMT services
Establishing referral networks to connect patients with appropriate transportation options
Coordinating transportation services alongside healthcare appointments and schedules
Providing cultural competency training for NEMT staff to better understand and meet the needs of diverse populations.
Promoting inclusive and culturally sensitive practices in NEMT service delivery
Increasing affordability of NEMT services
Establishing volunteer driver programs or ridesharing initiatives for non-emergency medical transportation, or other community-driven transportation coordination and support systems
Otherwise improving accessibility of healthcare for those who lack affordable transportation options