Modivcare Inc. Celebrates Payson Priola as Maine’s Driver of the Year
Modivcare a leading healthcare services company committed to enhancing member outcomes through its advanced supportive care platform, is thrilled to announce Poland resident Payson Priola as Modivcare Maine’s Driver of the Year. As a non-emergency transportation (NET) driver, Priola plays a critical role in ensuring that Maine Medicaid members can access essential healthcare services by providing reliable transportation between their homes and medical appointments. Her work addresses transportation barriers that could otherwise prevent individuals from receiving timely and necessary care. Since joining Modivcare in 2022, Priola has been serving Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford Counties with unwavering dedication.
Recognition for Excellence in Transportation
The recognition of Driver of the Year is a testament to Priola’s exceptional performance and commitment to excellence. Throughout her tenure, she has consistently demonstrated reliability, adaptability, Medicaid a positive attitude, and an unwavering focus on client satisfaction. Medicaid Priola’s ability to navigate challenging situations during trips with thoughtful and responsible decisions has had a profound impact on the lives of the members she serves. Whether it’s volunteering for additional trips during peak demand or going above and beyond during her workday, Priola has earned the trust and admiration of both her colleagues and the members who rely on her services. Her dependability and willingness to take on extra responsibilities have made her an invaluable asset to the Modivcare team.
“Payson is the epitome of a star employee,” said Susan Taylor, Modivcare Maine’s Fleet Manager. “She is someone we can always count on, especially during our busiest times. Medicaid Payson doesn’t hesitate to step up and take on additional responsibilities, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her as part of our team.”
For Priola, being named Driver of the Year is not just a personal achievement but also a validation of her hard work and dedication. She takes immense pride in her role and understands the importance of being dependable—not only for Modivcare but also for the members who rely on her transportation services to attend critical medical appointments. “It is important for me to be dependable, not only for Modivcare but for the members who depend on our transportation to make it to their appointments or medical visits,” Priola shared. “I look forward to continuing to serve our members as a valued member of the Modivcare team.”
Priola’s story is emblematic of Modivcare’s broader mission to improve healthcare accessibility through innovative solutions and dedicated professionals. Since entering the Medicaid Maine market in 2014, Modivcare has significantly expanded its NET provider network, growing from just 10 providers to more than 45 local providers across the state. This expansion includes partnerships with 26 minority-owned and four women-owned small businesses, collectively employing over 400 local, compliant contracted drivers. By fostering relationships with diverse and community-focused providers, Modivcare has strengthened its ability to meet the unique needs of Maine Medicaid members while contributing to the local economy.
One of the hallmarks of Modivcare’s success in Medicaid Maine is its commitment to exceeding state requirements for service quality. The company’s providers consistently deliver efficient, safe, and punctual transportation services, ensuring that members arrive at their appointments on time. Modivcare’s dedication to punctuality is reflected in its impressive track record, with on-time performance averaging over 94%. This level of reliability not only meets but consistently surpasses the company’s contractual service obligations. Furthermore, Modivcare has maintained exceptionally low levels of member complaints and vehicle unavailability, both of which remain consistently below 0.1%. These achievements underscore the company’s unwavering focus on delivering high-quality service and maintaining the trust of its members.
The impact of Modivcare’s efforts extends far beyond numbers and statistics. For many Maine Medicaid members, access to reliable transportation is a lifeline that enables them to receive essential medical care. Without services like those provided by Priola and her fellow drivers, countless individuals would face significant barriers to accessing healthcare, potentially jeopardizing their health and well-being. Modivcare’s commitment to addressing these challenges head-on has made a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals across the state.
Priola’s contributions exemplify the human element behind Modivcare’s success. Her ability to connect with members, anticipate their needs, and provide compassionate support sets her apart as a true leader in her field. Whether it’s ensuring that a member arrives at their appointment on time or offering a reassuring presence during a stressful moment, Priola’s dedication shines through in every interaction. Her willingness to go above and beyond has earned her a loyal following among the members she serves, many of whom specifically request her services.
Beyond her day-to-day responsibilities, Priola’s proactive approach to her work has had a ripple effect on the broader Modivcare team. By volunteering for additional trips and stepping up during busy periods, she has helped ensure that the company can meet the demands of its growing network of members. Her leadership and teamwork have inspired others to adopt a similar mindset, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence within the organization.
Modivcare’s growth in Medicaid Maine is a testament to the company’s strategic vision and commitment to innovation. By expanding its provider network and investing in local partnerships, Modivcare has created a robust infrastructure capable of meeting the evolving needs of Maine Medicaid members. The inclusion of minority-owned and women-owned businesses in its provider network reflects the company’s dedication to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that its services are accessible to all members of the community.
As Modivcare looks to the future, the company remains focused on building upon its successes and continuing to innovate in the realm of supportive care. The recognition of drivers like Payson Priola highlights the importance of celebrating individual achievements while reinforcing the collective mission of improving healthcare accessibility. By empowering its drivers and providers to excel, Modivcare is creating a brighter future for the communities it serves.
Payson Priola’s recognition as Modivcare Maine’s Driver of the Year is a well-deserved honor that underscores her exceptional contributions to the company and its members. Her reliability, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to client satisfaction serve as a shining example of what it means to be a dedicated professional. Through her efforts and those of her colleagues, Modivcare continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Maine Medicaid members, ensuring that no one is left behind due to transportation barriers. As the company expands its reach and refines its services, it remains steadfast in its mission to improve healthcare outcomes and create a more equitable system for all.
