Latest news with #MedicareFlex
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Uber adds a new type of account with a simpler UI for the elderly
Uber today revealed a new type of account, called Senior Accounts, for older users that prioritizes a simpler app experience with features like ride updates for family members, saved destinations, and the ability to use a family member's card for payments. Uber said Senior Accounts present a simpler app experience with larger text and icons, as well as less complex screens. Users can switch this mode on using the accessibility settings in the app. Users in the U.S. can now add older adults to their family account via the "Family" menu under the Accounts tab. Users who manage the family account can add their own payment methods, edit the list of saved destinations, book a ride for older adults, and contact drivers during a ride. People in the family group can also follow senior users' rides. Uber said senior users can add their Medicare Flex card to pay for eligible medical visits. The company said it plans to make Senior Accounts available worldwide, though it didn't specify when the feature would roll out to other countries. Uber added teen accounts in a few cities in the U.S. in 2023 and later rolled it out to more regions and countries. This article originally appeared on TechCrunch at Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Miami Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Uber announces a game-changing new feature
Before Uber (UBER) launched in 2009, there were pretty much only a few ways for travelers in need of a ride to get from point A to point B: call a taxi, hop on a bus, or call up a friend and ask for a ride. For those who remember it, the taxi experience was far from a pleasurable option. Most taxi drivers weren't very friendly, and some would barely talk to you aside from a few grunts to find out your destination. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter And as for the actual driving you might experience in a taxi, was best to buckle your seatbelt back in those days. Uber transformed all of that with its innovative ride-sharing model, which encouraged people to use their own cars and earn money by providing rides for people. Related: Uber shares new budget-friendly pricing model While taxis do still exist, they're taken a lot less these days - it's just a lot easier to summon a ride on your phone (not to mention the majority of Uber drivers are not as spirited of drivers as, say, aggressive taxi drivers in New York City). Naturally, to keep up with changing times, even major innovators have to continually reinvent themselves. Uber is doing just that with the rollout of a new feature that makes the service even more accessible to a wider variety of people. Uber announced on June 4 that it would launch a new type of account specifically created for senior adults. Using Uber's family profile system, a family member can organize a ride for a senior family member and even tracking the ride in their own app in real time. In addition, Uber's also announced Simple Mode, larger text and easy-to-follow directions. While this new format is also available in Senior Mode, it can be used by a Senior adult who wants to schedule their own rides. The new modes also offer the ability to save frequently visited places and flexible payment methods, including using their own card, a family member's, or even an eligible Medicare Flex card. Uber worked with aging advocates and accessibility experts to develop these features with the aim of making transportation easier for older adults who do not drive or cannot drive safely. Related: Uber CEO shares key advice that drives his success "Transportation is one of the biggest barriers to independence as people age," said Silvia Candamil Neirra, Vice President, Global Initiative on Ageing and Longevity. "Solutions like Uber's senior accounts help break down that barrier by offering a simple and flexible way for older adults to get where they need to go-without always having to rely on others. It's about dignity, freedom, and staying connected to the people and places that matter most." Uber says it will send notifications to account holders via email today to let them know the service is active and available for use. In addition to the U.S., the new modes will be available in Taiwan, Hong Kong, India (Simple Mode only), Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Portugal, France, and South Africa. Uber has been busy preparing upgrades for its business lately. The announcement of Senior and Simple Mode come not long after the ridesharing app announced Route Share, a new service that sounds a lot like a bus. Route Share is clearly an effort to offer a mode of transportation for those who need a more budget-conscious option, as it can cost up to 50% less than an UberX. It works by running dozens of fixed routes with fixed stops, and riders will share the car with up to two other people going to the same destination. Route Share is now available in New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, Boston, and Baltimore, and Uber says other cities will be added soon. Related: Uber CEO gives employees a harsh wake-up call The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Entrepreneur
6 days ago
- Health
- Entrepreneur
Uber Announces Senior Accounts for Elderly Riders
Uber now offers senior accounts, a new version of the app with a simplified UI for the elderly. Uber is launching Senior Accounts, a new service geared toward older users. The company says it offers a simplified app experience and new features, including ride updates for riders' family members, saved destinations (like doctor offices), and the ability to use a family member's card for payments. Simple Mode offers visuals with larger text and icons, and the screen will have fewer buttons than the typical Uber screen. Related: Uber CEO: Autonomous Vehicles Will Take Over Drivers Soon "Senior accounts and Simple mode represent an important milestone in Uber's ongoing commitment to accessible transportation," said Ashu Manohar, Director of Product Management at Uber. "These features reflect our dedication to designing technology that meets people where they are and supports mobility at every stage of life." How Senior Accounts Work To enable it, Uber users can invite an older adult to join their Family profile through the app. They'll get a link to create their senior account and set it up themselves or with the help of a family member. Senior accounts and Simple Mode are now available in the U.S. and in select cities in other countries. (Get the full list here.) Uber said senior users can add their Medicare Flex card to pay for eligible medical visits.
Axios
6 days ago
- Business
- Axios
Uber launches senior accounts to simplify rides for older adults
Uber is making it easier for older adults to take rides with the nationwide launch of senior accounts. Why it matters: Nearly 1 in 6 people globally will be 60 or older by 2030, the World Health Organization estimates. "Transportation is one of the biggest barriers to independence as people age," Briana Gilmore, Uber head of public policy, accessibility and underserved communities, told Axios. "For most older adults, they really struggle with independent mobility." Competitor Lyft launched its Lyft Silver feature nationwide for seniors in May. The big picture: A 2020 study by researchers with the CDC and the University of Chicago found ride-hailing apps could benefit older people, especially those facing cognitive decline that makes driving less safe. "Ride share services may offer a promising alternative to driving for older adults and may help to address negative health consequences associated with driving cessation," researchers wrote. The intrigue: Uber's new features also help seniors' family members keep track of their loved ones and book rides for them more easily. "We wanted to create more options for families, especially for family organizers, who are often in that sandwich generation with teens on one end and older family members on the other," Gilmore said. Uber senior accounts available Wednesday Zoom in: Uber started researching senior accounts in summer 2024 when launching teen accounts, Gilmore said. Senior accounts are a simplified ride-hailing experience designed for older adults with larger text, easy-to-follow directions and fewer buttons. Users can save places for quick access to frequent destinations and pay with a personal card, a family member's card or a Medicare Flex card for eligible medical rides. Family organizers can help book rides for the senior account holder and contact the driver if needed. Family members can get trip updates and follow rides in real time. Setting up senior accounts: A family member invites the older adult to join their Family profile from the Uber app. The senior receives a text to download the app and sign up. They can then request rides themselves or get help from family when needed. Uber simple mode State of play: For older adults who prefer to ride independently, Uber is also launching "simple mode," which offers the same streamlined experience as senior accounts without a Family profile. The Simple mode feature can be found in the account section of the app where there's the option to turn it on. The simplified app was piloted in Phoenix and Orlando in May. What's next: The senior features launch Wednesday, June 4 in the U.S. and then will expand to other countries, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Mexico, France and South Africa.
Engadget
6 days ago
- Health
- Engadget
Uber now offers a streamlined app for seniors, complete with flexible payment options
Uber just announced dedicated account profiles for senior citizens, bringing a streamlined app design and features aimed at older adults. This is part of the pre-existing "family profile" feature that also allows for teen accounts . As for these senior accounts, the biggest draw is the design. The company promises "larger text, fewer steps and easy-to-follow screens." To that end, there are fewer buttons and larger text throughout. This should make it easier for seniors, or anyone with minor eyesight issues, to book rides. Loved ones and caregivers can book rides on behalf of the account holder. They can also help with stuff like adjusting payment methods and checking in during trips. Family members can track rides in real time or receive text updates upon arrival. In the case of an emergency, the app offers the ability for caregivers to contact the driver. Frequent destinations, such as the doctor's office, can be stored for easy access. There are even some unique payment options here, like the ability to accept Medicare Flex. If older adults don't have access to a family profile, they can still experience a streamlined version of the app via the platform's Simple mode. This provides the same interface, with larger text and easier navigation. Rival Lyft recently introduced a similar suite of features, called Lyft Silver . However, Lyft's service will match older riders with cars that are easier to get in and out of, which is something Uber doesn't seem to be offering at this moment. Senior accounts on Uber are rolling out now throughout the US, with global availability coming at a later date.
