NON-MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES PROVIDER IN NEW MEXICO

Fatumata Kaba
Sep 5
4 min read

FACILITATING COMMUNITY ACCESS THROUGH SAFE, RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION

Non-Medical Transportation (NMT) Services in New Mexico provide safe and reliable rides for individuals with disabilities or mobility challenges to access community resources, employment, social events, and other essential activities. These services promote independence and enhance quality of life by ensuring individuals can participate fully in their communities. NMT Services are authorized under New Mexico Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD)

Role: Administers Medicaid waiver funding for Non-Medical Transportation Services and manages provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement.

Agency: Developmental Disabilities Supports Division (DDSD)

Role: Ensures quality standards, service delivery, and compliance for NMT Services under HCBS waiver programs.

Agency: New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT)

Role: Oversees vehicle safety standards, driver qualifications, and transportation compliance.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight ensuring Medicaid-funded NMT Services meet HCBS quality, person-centered planning, and participant protection standards.

2. NON-MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES OVERVIEW

NMT Services provides accessible and reliable transportation to enable individuals to participate in community activities, maintain employment, and access essential services.

Approved providers may deliver:

Community Access Transportation: Rides to community centers, social events, and support groups.
Employment Transportation: Safe travel to work or vocational training sites.
Recreational Transportation: Access to social, cultural, and community events.
Personal Errands: Transportation to grocery stores, pharmacies, and other essential locations.
Day Program Transportation: Rides to and from habilitation or day support services.
Door-to-Door Assistance: Helping passengers from their residence to the vehicle and destination.
Accessible Transportation: Vehicles equipped for wheelchairs, mobility aids, and accessible seating.
Escort or Companion Support: Assistance during travel for individuals needing additional help.

All transportation services are delivered according to the Individualized Service Plan (ISP) to meet the participant’s mobility and community integration needs.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register the business entity with the New Mexico Secretary of State.
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).
Enroll as a Medicaid Waiver NMT provider via the New Mexico Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal.
Obtain required permits and licenses from the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).
Maintain general liability, professional liability, and vehicle insurance.
Develop policies for passenger safety, vehicle maintenance, and driver training.
Ensure drivers meet background checks, health screenings, and defensive driving training requirements.

4. NEW MEXICO PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Complete the Provider Enrollment Application through the New Mexico Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal for NMT Services under HCBS waivers.

Application and Documentation Submission:

Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, vehicle insurance certificates, driver qualifications, and policy manuals.

Program Readiness Review:

HSD and DDSD evaluate provider readiness, including vehicle safety, driver qualifications, and transportation protocols.

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

Upon approval, providers are authorized to bill Medicaid for NMT Services using designated billing codes.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License (New Mexico Secretary of State)
IRS EIN confirmation
NPI confirmation
Vehicle Registration and Safety Inspection Documents
Proof of general liability, professional liability, and vehicle insurance
Non-Medical Transportation Services Policy & Procedure Manual, including:
- Trip scheduling, passenger assistance, and route planning procedures
- Driver credentialing, background checks, and training records
- Safety protocols for transporting individuals with mobility aids
- Vehicle maintenance, inspection, and cleanliness standards
- HIPAA compliance, passenger rights, and grievance handling
- Documentation standards for trip logs, billing, and compliance tracking
- Emergency preparedness, accident reporting, and incident management

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: NMT Program Director

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in transportation management or healthcare administration; experience in managing transportation services.

Role: Drivers/Transportation Aides

Requirements: Valid New Mexico driver’s license with a clean driving record; defensive driving and passenger assistance training; CPR/First Aid certification; background clearance.

Role: Dispatch Coordinators

Requirements: Experience in logistics, scheduling, and customer support; background clearance.

All staff must complete: