TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE SERVICES PROVIDER IN ARIZONA

Fatumata Kaba
6 days ago
3 min read

HELPING INDIVIDUALS ACCESS ESSENTIAL SERVICES SAFELY AND RELIABLY THROUGH NON-EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION SUPPORT

Transportation Assistance Services in Arizona ensure that individuals receiving long-term care through Medicaid have access to healthcare appointments, community programs, and essential daily activities. These services are offered under the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers. Services can be provided through the individual’s Managed Care Organization (MCO) or under the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) for qualified members.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)

Role: Oversees Medicaid transportation benefits, including Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)

Agency: Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) – Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)

Role: Authorizes vendors for the transportation of individuals with developmental disabilities

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Sets federal standards for transportation services under Medicaid HCBS

2. TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE SERVICE OVERVIEW

Transportation services provide non-emergency, door-to-door travel support for individuals who need help accessing medical appointments, waiver services, employment programs, and other approved activities. Transportation is essential for promoting independence, community integration, and continuity of care.

Approved providers may deliver:

One-way or roundtrip transportation to and from Medicaid-approved services
Ambulatory or wheelchair-accessible rides
Group or individual transport depending on need
Vehicle safety inspections and documentation
Trip logs, pick-up/drop-off verification, and mileage tracking
Coordination with case managers and scheduling teams

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Arizona Corporation Commission
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Apply through the Qualified Vendor Application and Directory System (QVADS) (if serving DDD members)
Apply to become a transportation provider with MCOs (e.g., Mercy Care, Banner, UnitedHealthcare)
Obtain and maintain commercial vehicle insurance and auto liability coverage
Register all vehicles and ensure ADA accessibility as required
Conduct background checks and driver’s license verification for all drivers

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Option 1: Serving DDD Members (QVADS)

Step 1: Attend DDD Qualified Vendor orientation

Step 2: Submit QVADS application with vehicle logs, driver policies, and service routes

Step 3: Upon approval, receive referrals from support coordinators

Option 2: Serving ALTCS Members via MCOs

Step 1: Contact MCO provider relations for application instructions

Step 2: Submit business license, vehicle and insurance documentation, driver rosters

Step 3: Complete credentialing, then begin receiving trip authorizations

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License
IRS EIN Letter
NPI confirmation
Vehicle registration and insurance documentation
Policy & procedure manual including:
- Vehicle maintenance and daily inspection logs
- Driver training and background verification
- Trip authorization and route scheduling
- Pick-up/drop-off verification processes
- Passenger safety protocols
- Emergency and incident reporting procedures
- HIPAA, client rights, and communication policies
- Billing and mileage tracking tools