Not quite. Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) means rides to and from medical care for people who do not need an ambulance, and Medicaid NEMT follows your state's program rules; Medicaid.gov lists 4 minimum standards for its providers and drivers, including a valid driver's license. Non-medical transportation usually means rides for errands, social visits or senior outings, often paid by the rider or family. ProfitDrawer's medical transportation guide says to check the rules and insurance for each before you advertise.
| NEMT | Non-medical transportation | |
|---|---|---|
| Trips | To and from medical care | Errands, shopping, social visits, outings |
| Who pays | State Medicaid programs, facilities or private pay | Usually the rider or family |
| Rules | State Medicaid provider rules, plus local rules | Local for-hire and business rules |
| Rates | Medicaid rates set through the state program | You set your own |
Medicaid side. Medicaid.gov says state Medicaid agencies must assure necessary transportation to and from providers, and states choose how to fund and run it. Each state plan must ensure providers and drivers are not excluded from federal health programs, each driver has a valid license, there is a process for state drug law violations, and each driver's driving history is disclosed to the state Medicaid program. Ask your state Medicaid agency how to enroll.
Both services usually need a business registration, any city or county license for for-hire passenger vehicles, and commercial auto insurance, since personal policies usually will not cover paid rides. Some businesses offer both to fill gaps in the schedule; confirm that your insurance covers each type of ride. General information, not legal advice.
Source: Assurance of Transportation (Medicaid.gov) · Updated
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General information, not tax, legal or financial advice. Check the rules for your state and your situation.