LogisitiCare is paid by the state to broker transportation for Medicaid patients
At least five drivers for a company that transports Medicaid patients to doctors appointments in N.J. were recorded using their phones while behind the wheel, according to a report.
The drivers work for a companies that have contracts with Atlanta-based LogistiCare, ABC7 reported. LogistiCare has been New Jersey's medical transportation broker in July 2009.
A Medicare patient said she began recording drivers after they ignored her requests to put down their phones.
LogistiCare told the television station they take "immediate action" when they're informed a driver is breaking the law by texting or talking on a phone without a hands-free device.
The state pays LogistiCare about $165 million a year to provide 130,000 Medicaid clients more than 5 million rides to and from medical appointments, according to Department of Human Services spokeswoman Nicole Brossoie.
The riders are all low-income people, including some who also have physical and mental disabilities and addictions.
A mental health advocacy group released a survey earlier this year that says the current vendor is "unreliable" -- often showing up late or not at all.
Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.