Last Updated on May 28, 2024 by BVN
Breanna Reeves
With an estimated 53 million caregivers working in the U.S., Uber Health is supporting caregivers by reducing their load with Uber Caregiver.
Launching this summer, Uber Caregiver will allow care receivers to add a designated caregiver to their Uber account thus allowing the caregiver to request and monitor rides and deliveries. Uber Caregiver is also working to partner with health plans that will allow care receivers to use the app as part of their benefits.
“Our new solution helps lighten the load. Caregivers will no longer be solely responsible for grocery shopping for loved ones, bringing mom to the doctor, or decoding grandpa’s benefits to see if they’ll cover a bottle of aspirin,” said Global Head of Uber Health Caitlin Donovan in a press release. “We know it takes a team, and we’re proud to play an important role in keeping people healthy.”
Currently, Uber Health is available across the U.S., allowing “care coordinators” to arrange rides and the delivery of groceries, prescription medications and over-the-counter items through a web-based dashboard.
As Uber Caregiver adds more health plans, caregivers will be able to learn more about the care receivers’ benefits eligibility, such as how many rides will be covered or how much of their monthly grocery benefits are left, both in the Uber and Uber Eats apps.
A company spokesperson recommended care receivers add their health benefits card to their Uber wallet to see if their plan is eligible for use on Uber or Uber Eats. Additionally, care receivers can also visit uberhealth.com/caregiver, fill out an interest form and a representative from the company will be in touch to see if their benefits become available for Uber Caregiver.
With Uber Caregiver, caregivers can request a ride for both local and long-distance trips. Care receivers can designate a caregiver in the app by going to Wallet and tapping “Add a caregiver” under the newly added health benefits card. From there, they can add the caregiver from their contact list or enter their information. The caregiver will receive an invite in the Uber app and by email.
As Uber Caregiver launches this summer, care receivers can continue to check their benefits at the start of each calendar year as health plans change. Uber offers rides with wheel-chair assisted vehicles, so caregivers can choose the best ride type available for their loved ones’ needs, which could include Uber Assist.
While some care receivers may be under the care of several family members or alternating caregivers, during the initial phases, Uber Caregiver will be limited to one caregiver at a time, according to a company representative. As the app grows, Uber Caregiver will expand and add additional features to further support caregivers and care receivers such as the ability to split payment between benefits and other personal payment. Caregivers will also be able to order groceries with Uber Eats at the end of 2024.
As more adults continue to age across the nation, the need for more caregivers and support services will increase, especially in California, which has one of the fastest growing populations. In just six years, 10.8 million Californians will be over the age of 60.
This article is part of the 2024 Black Voice News reporting series on Caregiving in the IE supported in part by the United Domestic Workers of America representing home care and family child care providers across the state of California.