Growing Demand for wheelchair and stretcher transportation

York County is experiencing a significant demographic shift with a growing senior population. This trend has led to an increase in demand for wheelchair and stretcher transportation to accommodate the mobility needs of seniors, those with mobility issues, and in support of local hospitals, emergency rooms, and post-acute skilled care facilities. 

As of 2025, York County's population aged 65 to 84 has reached 13.8% and 1.2% is 85 years or older. This demographic shift underscores the increasing number of seniors in the county, necessitating enhanced support services.

The rise in the senior population has led to a heightened need for non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services, particularly those equipped to handle wheelchairs and stretchers. 

Area hospitals, emergency rooms, and medical centers face significant operational and financial challenges when they lack adequate wheelchair and stretcher transportation for discharged patients. Without reliable non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), patients who are medically cleared for discharge may be forced to stay overnight simply because they have no safe way to leave the facility. This not only leads to unnecessary bed occupancy, straining hospital capacity and reducing available space for incoming patients in need of urgent care, but it also creates financial losses, as hospitals typically cannot bill insurance or patients for
extended stays that are not medically necessary.

Additionally, prolonged stays increase the risk of hospital-acquired infections and
patient dissatisfaction, further impacting the facility's overall efficiency and
reputation. Ensuring that transportation services are readily available is crucial
for optimizing patient flow, improving financial sustainability, and maintaining
high-quality care.

A significant portion of York County's senior population does not qualify for Medicaid benefits and are forced to pay out-of-pocket for such specialized services.  This gap in access to affordable NEMT services has afforded CW Transportation the opportunity to help bridge this gap by accepting both private pay clients and those receiving federal assistance. 

Although the exact percentage of seniors on  government assistance versus those not receiving such benefits in York County is not readily available, addressing the growing  transportation needs of seniors, particularly those requiring wheelchair  and stretcher transportation and those not qualifying for Medicaid,  necessitates the need for CW Transportation.

CW Transportation continues to collaborate and partner with area hospitals,  emergency rooms, and nursing facilities to increase accessibility while  also working with various local agencies to strategies and raise  awareness for increased support services.