Portland Medicaid Transportation Driver Payson Priola Named Modivcare Maine Driver of the Year
Recognizing Excellence in Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
Modivcare Inc. (Nasdaq: MODV), a healthcare services company dedicated to improving patient outcomes through its advanced supportive care platform, has proudly announced that Payson Priola, a dedicated non-emergency transportation (NET) driver from Poland, Maine, has been named Modivcare Maine’s Driver of the Year.
Priola’s outstanding performance, reliability, and unwavering commitment to assisting Maine Medicaid members in reaching their medical appointments have set her apart from her peers. This honor highlights her exceptional work ethic, dedication to patient care, and ability to go above and beyond in her role.
A Critical Role in Healthcare Access
As a non-emergency medical transportation driver, Priola plays a vital role in ensuring that Medicaid members in Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford Counties have consistent and safe transportation to their medical appointments. Many of these individuals face significant transportation barriers that could otherwise prevent them from accessing necessary healthcare services.
Since joining Modivcare in 2022, Priola has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her passengers, ensuring that they arrive at their destinations safely and on time. Her professionalism and compassionate approach to transportation services have made her a favorite among members, many of whom specifically request her for their rides.
Why Payson Priola Stands Out
Priola was selected as Driver of the Year for exemplifying key qualities that Modivcare values in its employees, including:
- Reliability – She consistently shows up ready to serve her community, ensuring that Medicaid members are never left without transportation.
- Adaptability – She handles unexpected challenges with a calm and thoughtful approach, ensuring passengers feel secure.
- Positive Attitude – Her warm demeanor makes each trip a comfortable and reassuring experience for passengers.
- Client Satisfaction – She has built a strong rapport with passengers, many of whom frequently request her by name.
In addition to meeting her daily responsibilities, Priola frequently volunteers for additional trips, steps up when extra drivers are needed, and makes herself available during high-demand periods. Her dedication to the job and the people she serves has made a lasting impact on the community.
Words from Modivcare Leadership
Modivcare leaders have praised Priola’s exceptional work ethic and contributions to the team. Susan Taylor, Modivcare Maine’s Fleet Manager, expressed her gratitude for Priola’s dedication:
“Payson is the definition of a star employee. She is someone we can count on when we need it most. She doesn’t hesitate to take on additional responsibilities, and we are happy that she is a part of our team.”
Priola herself expressed pride in receiving this recognition, emphasizing the importance of being dependable for both her company and the members she serves.
“It is important for me to be dependable, not only for Modivcare but for the members who rely on our transportation to make it to their appointments or medical visits,” Priola said. “I look forward to continuing to serve our members as a valued member of the Modivcare team.”
The Growing Impact of Modivcare in Maine
Since 2014, Modivcare has significantly expanded its non-emergency medical transportation network in Maine, increasing its provider base from 10 to over 45 local transportation providers. This growth has included a strong commitment to diversity, with 26 minority-owned and 4 women-owned small businesses among the network of providers.
The company now employs over 400 local, compliant contracted drivers who work tirelessly to ensure safe and efficient transportation services for Maine Medicaid members.
Commitment to High Standards in Medical Transportation
Modivcare’s mission is not just about providing transportation—it’s about delivering a service that is efficient, safe, and patient-centered. The company continues to exceed state service requirements, demonstrating a strong commitment to ensuring that members receive the best possible experience.
Key performance highlights of Modivcare’s Maine network include:
- 94% On-Time Performance Rate – Consistently surpassing contractual service obligations.
- Less than 0.1% Complaint Rate – Demonstrating high satisfaction among members.
- Extremely Low Vehicle Unavailability Rate – Ensuring members can always access transportation when needed.
This impressive track record showcases Modivcare’s dedication to delivering timely and reliable service, helping to remove barriers to healthcare access for thousands of individuals across the state.
Understanding Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)
Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) is a crucial service for individuals who do not have access to reliable transportation and need assistance getting to medical appointments, dialysis treatments, physical therapy, and other necessary healthcare services.
For many Medicaid members, particularly those in rural communities like parts of Maine, NEMT services make the difference between receiving necessary medical care or missing critical appointments. Without access to reliable transportation, patients could face worsening health conditions, increased emergency room visits, and other negative health outcomes.
Modivcare works to close this gap by offering Medicaid beneficiaries safe, dependable, and accessible transportation solutions that enable them to receive timely medical care.
Modivcare’s Broader Mission
Beyond transportation, Modivcare is a healthcare services company that integrates technology with human-centered care solutions to improve health outcomes. The company provides a range of services, including:
- Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) – Safe and reliable transportation for Medicaid and Medicare members.
- Personal Care Services – Assisting members with daily living activities.
- Remote Patient Monitoring – Providing tools like VRI and Higi to help patients monitor their health from home.
By addressing key Social Determinants of Health (SDoH), Modivcare ensures that patients receive the comprehensive support they need to improve health outcomes and reduce overall healthcare costs.
The Future of NEMT and Healthcare Accessibility
As healthcare services evolve, non-emergency medical transportation will continue to play a critical role in ensuring that vulnerable populations maintain equitable access to care.
The demand for reliable transportation will grow as states expand Medicaid programs and prioritize healthcare equity initiatives. Modivcare is positioned as a leader in this space, providing innovative solutions that connect members to care with efficiency and compassion.
Final Thoughts
The recognition of Payson Priola as Modivcare Maine’s Driver of the Year is a testament to the dedication and hard work of transportation professionals who play an essential role in the healthcare system. Priola’s commitment to excellence sets a gold standard for NEMT services, reinforcing the importance of reliable, compassionate, and high-quality transportation for Medicaid members.
As Modivcare continues its mission of improving health outcomes through integrated supportive care, professionals like Priola will remain at the heart of the company’s success, ensuring that every individual has equal access to the medical care they need.
For more information about Modivcare and its services, visit www.modivcare.com.