NON-MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES PROVIDER IN RHODE ISLAND

Fatumata Kaba
Oct 9
4 min read

PROMOTING ACCESS TO COMMUNITY LIFE, SERVICES, AND INDEPENDENCE THROUGH RELIABLE, DOOR-TO-DOOR TRANSPORTATION SUPPORT

Non-Medical Transportation (NMT) Services in Rhode Island are Medicaid-funded supports designed to help individuals with disabilities, older adults, and waiver participants access essential services, day programs, and community resources. Unlike Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT), NMT is aimed at improving community integration, independence, and participation in activities outside of health care. These services are reimbursable under Rhode Island’s 1115 Medicaid Waiver, Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS), and Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waivers.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS)

Role: Oversees Medicaid waiver programs and NMT service authorizations.

Agency: Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals (BHDDH)

Role: Authorizes transportation services under DD Waivers and monitors usage.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**

Role: Provides federal oversight of HCBS programs including NMT services.

Agency: Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (RIPUC)

Role: Regulates commercial transportation providers and ensures compliance with public safety laws (when applicable).

2. NON-MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES OVERVIEW

NMT services support Medicaid participants in reaching community-based destinations that promote independence, employment, and social participation.

Approved providers may deliver:

Door-to-Door Transportation: To and from adult day centers, employment sites, recreational activities, and essential errands.
Fixed Route & Scheduled Services: Regular transport to vocational programs or waiver-approved services.
Escort Services (if authorized): Companion assistance during transport for safety or communication needs.
Accessible Vehicle Transport: Wheelchair lift-equipped vans and vehicles for individuals with mobility impairments.
Trip Logging & Documentation: Mileage, duration, purpose, and participant tracking for billing and audits.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your transportation business with the Rhode Island Secretary of State.
Obtain an EIN and Type 2 NPI.
Register as a Medicaid provider through the Rhode Island EOHHS portal under NMT service codes.
Obtain commercial vehicle insurance and RIPUC transportation operating authority (if transporting the general public or charging fares).
Ensure ADA-compliant vehicles if transporting individuals with physical disabilities.
Develop a Non-Medical Transportation Services Policy & Procedure Manual with safety protocols and trip documentation standards.

4. RHODE ISLAND PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Register your business, secure EIN/NPI, and purchase vehicle and liability insurance.Step 2: Apply for Medicaid provider enrollment through the RI provider portal for NMT billing codes.Step 3: If transporting individuals in the community, apply for commercial licensing through RIPUC (as required).Step 4: Submit vehicle safety documents, staff driver credentials, and your operating manual.Step 5: Contract with BHDDH or Medicaid MCOs to begin receiving service referrals.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation and state business registration
EIN and NPI confirmation
Medicaid provider enrollment acceptance
Commercial vehicle insurance and driver liability coverage
RIPUC operating authority (if required)
Non-Medical Transportation Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Trip documentation templates and driver logs
- Emergency preparedness and incident response plans
- Participant intake, rights, and consent forms
- Safety training and vehicle maintenance schedules
- ADA compliance, lift operation, and securement protocols
- Medicaid billing and audit documentation forms

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Transportation Driver / Escort

Requirements: Clean driving record, background check, CPR/First Aid (preferred), defensive driving course, and disability sensitivity training.

Role: Dispatcher / Scheduler

Requirements: Coordinates daily trips, manages routing software, and ensures timely pickups and drop-offs.

All staff must complete:

HIPAA and confidentiality training
Vehicle safety, lift usage, and emergency evacuation procedures
Abuse prevention and safe transport practices
Documentation and Medicaid billing training
Annual driving record checks and in-service refreshers

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Non-Medical Transportation is authorized through:

Global Consumer Choice Compact 1115 Waiver (RI Medicaid): Supports NMT as part of community integration services.
BHDDH DD Waivers (e.g., Community Living, Shared Living): Covers transport to day programs, jobs, and supported activities.
Self-Directed Waiver Services: Allows participants to arrange transportation using approved providers.
LTSS-Managed Care MCOs: May contract directly with NMT vendors for integrated support services.

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation & Manual Development

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment & RIPUC Authorization

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: Vehicle Acquisition, Driver Hiring & Training

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Referral Activation & Service Initiation

Timeline: Begins once authorization and scheduling agreements are in place

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS)Website: https://eohhs.ri.gov

Rhode Island Medicaid Provider Portal

Website: https://www.riproviderportal.org

Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals (BHDDH)Website: https://bhddh.ri.gov

Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (RIPUC) – Transportation Licensing

Website: https://ripuc.ri.gov

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Website: https://www.cms.gov

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — RHODE ISLAND NON-MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION PROVIDER

WCG assists transportation providers in launching Medicaid-compliant operations that expand access and mobility for Rhode Island’s waiver populations.

Scope of Work: