Penquis, Waldo CAP file appeal for non-emergency medical transportation contracts

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - The future of Penquis’ transportation program Lynx, along with two other local transportation programs, is looking blurred after a Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) contract decision.

In October last year, DHHS awarded the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NET) Contract to national for-profit company ModivCare to serve eight Maine counties.

Penquis says this award removes funding from three nonprofits that provide transportation to those on Medicaid in those areas already, including them, Waldo CAP and KV CAP.

They say the awarding of the NET contracts, which can last up to 10 years and be cumulatively worth $1 billion, was “irredeemably flawed” in choosing ModivCare and not Penquis, Waldo CAP and KV CAP, who have already been providing these services for free or low cost to communities for decades.

Penquis and Waldo CAP have filed an appeal in Maine Superior Court to reverse this award and be included in these contracts.

They say if that’s unsuccessful, the consequences can lead to Penquis and other local nonprofits’ transportation programs being in jeopardy.

“If we’re not successful in this appeal process, there is a strong likelihood that Penquis, KVCAP, and Waldo’s other transportation programs will be incredibly limited,” says Penquis President Kara Hay. “We certainly couldn’t hold staff or vehicles if we don’t have the resources or the total transportation structure to do so.”

Penquis says their Lynx vans have served over 10,000 individuals in the last year and have traveled over 15 million miles. That’s equivalent to going from the Earth to the moon and back 32 times.

They also point out their commitment to providing accessible and reliable transportation to those in need, especially in rural communities where transportation can be critically limited if having a car is not an option.

TV5 will keep you updated as this issue heads to court.