TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE SERVICES PROVIDER IN GEORGIA

Fatumata Kaba
Jul 14
4 min read

CONNECTING INDIVIDUALS TO HEALTH CARE, EMPLOYMENT, AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES THROUGH SAFE, RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION SUPPORT

Transportation Assistance Services in Georgia help individuals with disabilities, chronic health conditions, or aging-related needs access essential destinations such as medical appointments, employment sites, educational programs, and community services. These services are authorized under Georgia’s Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs to promote independence, community integration, and quality of life.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH)

Role: Oversees Medicaid enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement for Transportation Assistance Services

Agency: Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) – Coordinated Transportation Program

Role: Manages state-funded and coordinated transportation services for eligible populations

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight, ensuring Transportation Assistance Services meet Medicaid HCBS requirements

2. TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE SERVICE OVERVIEW

Transportation Assistance Services provide non-emergency transport to and from approved locations that are necessary for an individual's health, employment, and community participation.

Approved providers may deliver:

Transportation to Medicaid-covered medical appointments
Transportation to employment sites, day programs, educational institutions, and community activities (when authorized)
Assistance with boarding, securing wheelchairs or mobility devices, and exiting vehicles
Escort services for individuals who require supervision during transport
Trip planning, scheduling, and coordination for participants with special needs

All transportation services must be pre-authorized in the participant’s Individual Service Plan (ISP) and meet Medicaid safety, accessibility, and reliability standards.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register business with the Georgia Secretary of State
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Enroll as a Medicaid Transportation Provider through the Georgia Medicaid Management Information System (GAMMIS)
Obtain commercial vehicle insurance and general liability insurance
If providing Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) through Georgia Medicaid, comply with all DHS and DCH NEMT provider requirements
Maintain Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance if operating larger vehicles
Ensure all vehicles are ADA-compliant where applicable
Develop policies for participant safety, driver training, vehicle maintenance, and trip documentation

4. DCH PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Request Transportation Services provider application materials from DCH
(Optional) Coordinate with DHS if applying to be a participant in the state’s Coordinated Transportation Program

Application and Documentation Submission:

Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, vehicle insurance, driver credentialing, and operational policies
Provide trip scheduling systems, participant intake forms, and emergency protocols
Submit driver background screening, defensive driving certifications, and vehicle inspection records

Program Readiness Review:

DCH reviews provider readiness for Medicaid service delivery, trip verification systems, vehicle safety standards, and participant protection policies

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

Upon approval, complete Medicaid enrollment through GAMMIS
Configure billing codes for Transportation Assistance Services

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License (Georgia Secretary of State)
IRS EIN confirmation
NPI confirmation
Proof of commercial auto and general liability insurance
Vehicle inspection and maintenance records
DCH-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Participant intake, transportation needs assessment, and trip authorization tracking
- Scheduling, vehicle maintenance, and emergency response procedures
- ADA compliance policies for accessible transportation
- HIPAA confidentiality, client rights, and grievance procedures
- Staff credentialing, driver background checks, and training documentation
- Medicaid billing, service verification, and trip log systems

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Transportation Program Manager / Dispatcher

Requirements: Experience in transportation logistics, human services, or healthcare transportation preferred; background screening clearance

Role: Drivers / Transportation Assistants

Requirements: Valid Georgia driver’s license; CPR/First Aid certification recommended; defensive driving certification preferred; background screening clearance

All staff must complete:

Passenger assistance, ADA compliance, and wheelchair securement training
HIPAA confidentiality and abuse prevention training
Emergency evacuation and incident reporting training
Annual refresher training on transportation safety standards and Medicaid documentation compliance

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

The following Georgia Medicaid Waivers authorize Transportation Assistance Services:

Comprehensive Supports Waiver Program (COMP)
New Options Waiver Program (NOW)
Independent Care Waiver Program (ICWP)

Approved providers may deliver:

Transportation to and from authorized medical, employment, and community destinations
Specialized transport for individuals with mobility challenges
Trip documentation and service verification per Medicaid requirements

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Initial Setup

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: Vehicle Purchase/Lease, Licensing, and Insurance Setup

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: DCH Provider Application and Readiness Review

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Staff Hiring, Training, and Vehicle Readiness Verification

Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment and Billing Configuration

Timeline: 45–60 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH)

Website: https://dch.georgia.gov/

Georgia Medicaid Management Information System (GAMMIS)

Website: https://www.mmis.georgia.gov/

Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) — Coordinated Transportation

Website: https://aging.georgia.gov/programs-services/coordinated-transportation

TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE SERVICES PROVIDER IN GEORGIA

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — GEORGIA TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE SERVICES PROVIDER

WCG supports transportation agencies and community service organizations in launching Medicaid-compliant Transportation Assistance Services under Georgia’s HCBS waiver programs.

Scope of Work: