FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LaPorte County, IN — Paladin, a Northwest Indiana nonprofit serving adults with disabilities, children, and seniors, will conclude its non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) program in La Porte County on June 30, 2026. Paladin assumed the county’s NEMT service in 2014 and has since provided free rides for medical appointments, dialysis, pharmacy visits, grocery shopping, and other needs for La Porte County seniors and people with disabilities. In 2025 alone, Paladin drivers completed more than 50,000 trips serving over 700 La Porte County residents.

Paladin is deeply grateful for the commitment of key community partners who have supported the NEMT program. Community grants from the Health Foundation of La Porte, Franciscan Health, and Michigan City Community Enrichment Corporation (MCCEC) have been the backbone of Paladin’s community funding support for this initiative. In addition, the program received Title III Older Americans Act funding through REAL Services and Medicaid reimbursements for eligible riders. These partners have worked with Paladin to connect residents with the care they need.

In recent years, however, critical funding sources have declined or failed to keep pace with rising costs. Funding through REAL Services decreased by roughly 54% from 2022 to 2025. At the same time, the cost of operating the service surged and annual per vehicle insurance premiums rose dramatically in mid-2025, with further increases expected. Combined with fluctuating fuel and maintenance costs, these financial pressures made the continued operation of the program unsustainable without new support.

Paladin leadership and staff explored numerous opportunities to sustain the service, including discussions with healthcare providers, dialysis centers, insurance brokers, local and state government entities, community organizations, and private donors. Despite these efforts, no longterm funding solution was identified. While Paladin has absorbed operational losses in order to continue serving the community, doing so indefinitely would require resources needed to support the organization's core programs and services.

Steve Hobby, President/CEO, said, “We have done everything in our power to keep this service going, but without additional funding partners, we cannot continue providing transportation beyond June 30. It has been a privilege to serve La Porte County residents for over a decade, and we will assist riders with transition resources as much as possible.”

Paladin thanks all of its riders, drivers, and partners for their support and understanding during this change.

Paladin will continue operating its transportation services for individuals with developmental disabilities who receive community-based services through the agency.

What this means for riders: Paladin will continue providing scheduled NEMT rides through June 30, 2026, and will not register any new NEMT riders after that date. Current riders should work now to find other transportation arrangements. Paladin staff will assist in planning alternative options wherever possible.

Riders are encouraged to:

• Call 2-1-1 (or visit In211.org): 2-1-1 is a free, 24/7 resource for community services and may help identify local transit programs, volunteer drivers, or nonprofit assistance for seniors and people with disabilities.

• Contact Medicaid/Medicare: If you have Medicaid or Medicare, call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card. These plans have authorized brokers (such as Verida or Modivcare in Indiana) that arrange NEMT rides for covered medical appointments. Give them as much advance notice as possible when scheduling.

• Speak with Case Managers: Patients receiving dialysis, oncology or other specialized care should consult their clinic’s social worker or case manager. Dialysis centers and cancer treatment centers often offer or coordinate transportation services for their patients.

• Local Hospitals and Clinics: Social workers from hospitals and clinics in La Porte County may also be able to guide patients to transportation programs or ride-helpers, including patient navigators or volunteer driver networks.

Paladin I/DD assistance continues: Paladin will still provide transportation as part of its community disability supports. In particular, rides for clients with developmental disabilities in Paladin’s day programs, respite, or community integrated employment will continue as usual. The agency’s commitment to serving vulnerable residents remains unchanged, and Paladin staff will remain available to help connect individuals with transportation resources through June 30, 2026.

About Paladin, Inc.
Paladin is a nonprofit serving as a dedicated advocate for people with disabilities, children, and seniors in Northwest Indiana. For more than 50 years, Paladin has provided high-quality services including early childhood education, adult day programs, supported employment, residential support, and non-emergency medical transportation. Each year, Paladin supports over 500 individuals with disabilities and more than 200 children, while driving over 26,000 miles to ensure access to critical care—empowering people of all abilities to live with dignity, independence, and purpose.

For questions, please email paladin@paladin.care.