26405, Moatsville, West Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 26405, Moatsville, West Virginia is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

37.83 percent of residents in 26405 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.32 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Broaddus Hospital Association, Inc with a distance of 9.63 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 26405 (Moatsville, West Virginia)

Assessing the overall health of a community requires a multifaceted approach, considering not only the availability of medical services but also the ease with which residents can access them. This analysis focuses on healthcare access within ZIP Code 26405, specifically examining the challenges and opportunities presented by transportation infrastructure. The goal is to provide a comprehensive “Overall Health Score” reflecting the accessibility of medical care for residents of Moatsville, West Virginia, a small community nestled in the rolling hills of Taylor County.

The primary challenge for healthcare access in Moatsville stems from its rural location. The nearest major medical facilities are located in Grafton, the county seat, and further afield in Morgantown, home to the West Virginia University (WVU) Medicine system. This geographical isolation necessitates reliance on personal vehicles for the majority of residents. The condition of roads, drive-times, and the availability of alternative transportation options significantly impact the overall health score.

**Drive-Times and Road Conditions:**

The primary route connecting Moatsville to Grafton is **US Route 119**. This road, while generally well-maintained, can experience delays during peak hours and inclement weather. The drive to Grafton, approximately 10 miles, typically takes 15-20 minutes under ideal conditions. However, during snow or heavy rain, this time can easily double.

Accessing Morgantown, roughly 30 miles away, requires navigating **US Route 119** to **Interstate 79**. The drive-time to Morgantown, home to WVU Medicine facilities, averages 45-60 minutes, again subject to weather and traffic. The condition of **Interstate 79** is generally good, but accidents and construction can cause significant delays.

Other local roads, such as **County Route 26/1** and **County Route 26/2**, provide alternative routes, but they are often narrower, winding, and less well-maintained, making them less desirable, especially during emergencies. This reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the potential for delays, negatively impacts the overall health score, particularly for those with chronic conditions or limited mobility. The necessity of reliable transportation is a critical factor when considering moving to Moatsville.

**Public Transportation Options:**

Public transportation options in Moatsville and the surrounding area are limited. The **Taylor County Transit Authority (TCTA)** provides demand-response services, meaning residents must schedule rides in advance. The TCTA operates a fleet of buses, including some vehicles equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features like wheelchair lifts. However, service frequency is limited, and routes are not specifically designed to serve medical facilities.

The lack of readily available public transit significantly hinders healthcare access for those without personal vehicles, particularly seniors and individuals with disabilities. The need to schedule rides and the potential for long wait times further complicate the process. The absence of frequent, direct routes to medical facilities contributes to a lower overall health score.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Morgantown area but may be less readily accessible in Moatsville itself. Availability can be sporadic, and wait times can be lengthy, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some residents.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are available in the region. Companies like **MedTrans** and **First Call Medical Transportation** operate in the area, offering specialized vehicles and trained personnel. However, these services often require prior authorization and may not be covered by all insurance plans. The availability of medical transport services is a positive factor, but their cost and limitations reduce their overall impact on the health score.

**Healthcare Access and the Overall Health Score:**

The overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP Code 26405 is negatively impacted by several factors. The reliance on personal vehicles, the potential for delays due to road conditions and weather, the limited public transportation options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services all contribute to challenges in accessing medical care.

The geographical isolation of Moatsville, coupled with the lack of readily available and affordable transportation alternatives, creates significant barriers for residents seeking healthcare. This can lead to delayed or missed appointments, potentially exacerbating health conditions and negatively impacting overall well-being.

**Recommendations and Considerations:**

Improving the overall health score requires a multi-pronged approach. Investing in public transportation, including expanding the TCTA’s routes and service frequency, particularly to medical facilities in Grafton and Morgantown, would significantly enhance healthcare access. Exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services to provide subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also be beneficial.

Improving road maintenance, especially on **US Route 119**, is crucial for ensuring reliable access to healthcare. Promoting community awareness of available medical transport services and advocating for insurance coverage for these services would further improve healthcare access.

For those considering moving to Moatsville, understanding the transportation challenges is essential. Careful consideration should be given to the availability of personal transportation, the ability to navigate rural roads, and the potential for delays. Planning for healthcare access, including identifying nearby medical facilities and exploring available transportation options, is a vital aspect of ensuring a healthy lifestyle in this community.

The overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP Code 26405, while not dire, reflects the need for improvements in transportation infrastructure and services. Addressing these challenges is crucial for ensuring that all residents of Moatsville have equal access to the medical care they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives. The availability of healthcare is a critical component of community well-being, and continued efforts to improve access will ultimately contribute to a healthier and more vibrant community.