TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE SERVICES PROVIDER IN IDAHO

TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE SERVICES PROVIDER IN IDAHOENSURING SAFE AND RELIABLE ACCESS TO MEDICAL, THERAPEUTIC, AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

Transportation Assistance Services in Idaho help individuals with disabilities, chronic health conditions, or aging-related needs access essential services outside the home. These services are authorized under Idaho’s Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs and Medicaid State Plan, ensuring participants can attend medical appointments, therapies, employment activities, and community programs safely and reliably.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW) — Division of Medicaid

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

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight, ensuring Transportation Assistance Services meet Medicaid HCBS and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) standards

2. TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE SERVICE OVERVIEW

Transportation Assistance Services support participants in maintaining their health, independence, and community involvement by providing scheduled, non-emergency transportation.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Transportation to and from Medicaid-covered medical, therapy, behavioral health, or HCBS waiver services

• Transportation to employment, educational, and volunteer activities (where approved under waiver services)

• Transportation to community activities is outlined in the participant’s Individualized Service Plan (ISP)

• Door-to-door or curb-to-curb assistance, depending on participant needs

• Use of accessible vehicles for participants requiring wheelchair or mobility device transport

All trips must be tied to authorized services outlined in the participant’s care plan and must promote community access, not general personal errands.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register your business with the Idaho Secretary of State

• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)

• Enroll as a Medicaid provider through Idaho Medicaid Provider Enrollment

• Maintain general liability, vehicle liability, and workers’ compensation insurance

• Maintain appropriate business licenses and vehicle registrations

• Ensure vehicles meet ADA accessibility requirements if transporting participants with mobility impairments

• Develop policies for participant safety, driver training, emergency protocols, and vehicle maintenance

4. IDHW PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Submit Provider Enrollment Application for Transportation Assistance Services through Idaho’s Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS)

• Specify service areas and capacity to meet ADA transportation needs

Application and Documentation Submission:

• Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, insurance certificates, vehicle maintenance plans, driver credentialing documentation, and emergency protocols

• Provide sample trip logs, participant intake forms, and transportation service schedules

Program Readiness Review:

• IDHW reviews provider readiness, including vehicle safety compliance, participant protection procedures, Medicaid billing systems, and trip documentation processes

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

• Upon approval, configure billing codes for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) and HCBS-authorized transportation services

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business Registration (Idaho Secretary of State)

• IRS EIN confirmation

• NPI confirmation

• Proof of general liability, vehicle insurance, and workers’ compensation insurance

• Vehicle registration and ADA compliance verification (if applicable)

• HCBS-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:

  • Participant intake, transportation planning, and trip scheduling procedures

  • Driver hiring, background screening, and training standards

  • Vehicle maintenance and safety inspection protocols

  • HIPAA confidentiality, participant rights, and grievance handling procedures

  • Incident reporting, emergency response, and risk management systems

  • Medicaid billing, service tracking, and audit readiness documentation

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Transportation Program Manager / Dispatcher

Requirements: Experience in transportation logistics, scheduling, and healthcare-related transportation; background screening clearance

Role: Drivers / Transportation Assistants

Requirements: Valid Idaho driver’s license; clean driving record; CPR/First Aid certification recommended; ADA passenger assistance training for accessible transport; background screening clearance

All staff must complete:

• HIPAA confidentiality and participant rights training

• Emergency preparedness, safe driving practices, and incident management training

• Passenger assistance training, including wheelchair securement and lift operation

• Annual refresher courses on transportation safety and Medicaid compliance

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

The following Idaho Medicaid Waivers authorize Transportation Assistance Services:

• Aged and Disabled (A&D) Waiver

• Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver

• Children's Developmental Disabilities Waiver (for therapy or medical services access)

Approved providers may deliver:

• Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) for medical and therapeutic appointments

• Transportation to authorized employment and community integration activities

• Accessible vehicle services for participants with physical disabilities

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Vehicle Setup

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: Staff Hiring, Credentialing, and Transportation Program Development

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Idaho Medicaid Provider Enrollment and Readiness Review

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Medicaid Billing System Configuration and Claims Readiness

Timeline: 30–45 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW) — Medicaid Division

Website: https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/medicaid-health

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Website: https://www.cms.gov/

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

WCG supports transportation companies, HCBS agencies, and community organizations in launching Medicaid-compliant Transportation Assistance Services under Idaho’s HCBS waiver programs and Medicaid NEMT system.

Scope of Work:

• Business registration and EIN/NPI setup

• Medicaid provider enrollment assistance

• Development of Transportation Services Policy & Procedure Manual

• Staff credentialing templates and driver training documentation

• Medicaid billing system setup and claims management

• Website, domain, and email setup

• Trip intake, scheduling, and transportation service tracking templates

• Vehicle safety inspection, maintenance, and compliance documentation systems

• Quality assurance programs for service reliability and participant satisfaction monitoring

• Community networking and healthcare facility partnership development strategies

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