Which statement best describes transportation barriers and Needs Met Ratings?

• A. They contribute to unmet needs by limiting appointment attendance and access to care
• B. They have no impact
• C. They only affect non-essential services
• D. They are not considered

Answer: (A)

Transportation barriers directly affect whether someone can actually access healthcare—getting to appointments, following up, and obtaining medications. When these barriers exist, people are more likely to miss visits or delay care, leaving health needs unmet. Needs Met Ratings measure how well a person’s care needs are satisfied, so if transportation makes it hard to attend appointments or access services, the rating will reflect that unmet need. That’s why the statement that transportation barriers contribute to unmet needs by limiting appointment attendance and access to care is the best description. The other ideas—no impact, only affecting non-essential services, or not being considered—don’t align with how access to care is evaluated and how Needs Met Ratings capture barriers to care.