Carepool launches on-demand medical rides in the Chippewa Valley
Carepool, a transportation software company founded in Madison in 2018, is launching its 24/7 medical on-demand ride services in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls. The service, designed for aging adults and people with disabilities, will begin on August 1.
The organization says the launch comes at a critical time as the Chippewa Valley faces hospital closures, with St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls and Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire shutting down. Carepool aims to support Medicaid and Medicare members with much-needed transportation options.
Founder and CEO Josh Massey, a Chippewa Falls native, expressed excitement about the launch in a statement. “It’s excellent to launch services in my old stomping grounds of Eau Claire and the Chippewa Valley,” Massey said.
Carepool is adding five wheelchair-accessible vehicles and plans to hire 50 drivers in the area. The company also partners with healthcare workers to provide on-call wheelchair-accessible rides. “This leads to the unnecessary use of an ambulance for non-emergency needs. Carepool will create more medical access for those who don’t drive and may need a little more assistance after a procedure,” Massey said.
Transportation needs for the aging population are growing, with the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center reporting that one in five Americans is expected to be 65 or older. Carepool’s new app, designed for aging adults, will feature simple navigation and live customer service to enhance the user experience. “This is about more than mobility—it’s about independence, dignity, and healthcare access,” Massey said.