Becoming a ‘caregiver’ can sometimes be an unexpectedly challenging – and costly – endeavor. But a new tool from Uber, called Uber Caregiver, has been designed to make it a bit easier to transport and purchase medications for loved ones.
Set to launch this summer in the United States, the service was developed by Uber Health’s chief engineer, Jeremy Hintz – and his team – with his grandparents in mind. After Hintz’s grandfather suffered a stroke, he could no longer care for his wife, who was suffering from dementia. Then Hintz’s mother intervened and became her primary caregiver.
“All of this actually came out of a phone conversation I was having with my mom about the things she needed help with in her daily life,” Hintz told NBC. “We have Uber and Uber Eats; why can’t we also leverage the benefits of healthcare?”
What is Uber Caregiver?
Uber Caregiver is a new feature in the Uber and Uber Eats apps that will allow caregivers to use health plan benefits to pay for qualified rides to medical appointments for their beneficiaries.
In the future, the tool will also allow caregivers to manage food deliveries, as well as medications and medical equipment, according to the company.
Both the caregiver and the recipient will be able to track the progress of rides and purchases. A three-way chat feature in the app allows the caregiver, passenger, and driver to stay in communication. And the caregiver receives a notification when the passenger arrives at their destination safely.
The company plans to cover:
• Clients aged 65 and older with Medicare Advantage and Medicaid
• People with eligible commercial insurance through their employer
How to Get Uber Caregiver
Since May 15, 2024, caregivers can sign up to be notified when their insurer is added as a partner of Uber Caregiver.
To set up Uber Caregiver, the care recipient adds their health benefits card to the wallet in the Uber and Uber Eats apps. Health benefits cards are pre-funded debit cards issued by health insurance plans that can be used for eligible healthcare expenses, such as co-pays, prescriptions, medical devices, transportation, and more. Coverage varies by plan.
Once the card is added, the care recipient can designate a caregiver from their existing contacts or by adding new contact information.
When Will Uber Caregiver Launch?
Uber Caregiver will launch in the summer of 2024 with the feature that caregivers will be able to request and track rides for care beneficiaries. The grocery ordering feature will be available by the end of 2024, according to the company.
Source: NBC