TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE SERVICES PROVIDER IN MASSACHUSETTS

Fatumata Kaba
Aug 7, 2025
3 min read

OFFERING RELIABLE, NON-EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION TO SUPPORT ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE, EMPLOYMENT, AND COMMUNITY LIFE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Transportation Assistance Services (TAS) in Massachusetts ensure that Medicaid beneficiaries and individuals with disabilities have access to safe, timely, and appropriate rides for medical appointments, adult day programs, work, and other waiver-authorized activities. These services are typically offered under MassHealth’s Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) program and through HCBS waiver programs such as ABI, MFP, and DDS Waivers.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: MassHealth (Massachusetts Medicaid)

Role: Funds and authorizes transportation services for eligible Medicaid members

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

Role: Oversees Medicaid transportation operations and waiver compliance

Agency: Human Service Transportation (HST) Office

Role: Contracts with regional brokers to coordinate and schedule NEMT services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides oversight for transportation services funded through 1915(c) waivers

Agency: Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU)

Role: Regulates commercial and livery vehicles, including licensing and safety standards

2. TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE SERVICE OVERVIEW

Transportation services help individuals who are unable to drive or access public transit get to:

Medical, dental, or mental health appointments
Adult day health programs
Community-based day support and employment
Waiver-authorized habilitation or therapy
Housing or benefits-related appointments
Pharmacy or medical supply pickups (if approved)

Services can include:

Ambulatory rides
Wheelchair-accessible transportation
Door-to-door and curb-to-curb options
Escort assistance (if authorized)

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth
Obtain an IRS EIN and Type 2 NPI
Obtain DPU operating authority for livery or paratransit services
Acquire commercial auto liability insurance and workers’ compensation
Maintain clean driving records for all drivers
Pass vehicle safety inspections (per DPU and HST standards)
Create HIPAA-compliant trip logs and documentation

If providing Medicaid NEMT services:

You must work under contract with an HST Broker or receive direct referrals under waiver programs.

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Option A: HST Broker Network Participation (NEMT)

Register through MassHealth Provider Online Service Center
Apply with your regional HST Broker (e.g., MART or GATRA)
Submit vehicle, insurance, and driver documentation
Complete orientation and secure service authorization referrals

Option B: Waiver Transportation Provider (MFP, DDS, ABI)

Apply to be a waiver provider through DDS or MRC
Provide transportation descriptions aligned with ISP/POC goals
Get approved to bill under authorized transportation codes
Maintain logs for trip validation and audit readiness

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or sole proprietor filing
IRS EIN and NPI confirmation
Commercial vehicle insurance and DPU certification
Transportation Services Policy & Procedure Manual, including:
- Daily trip logs and rider rosters
- Vehicle safety inspection checklists
- Incident reporting and emergency protocols
- Consent forms and rider rights documentation
- Billing records and schedule logs
- Staff onboarding forms (driver background checks, licenses, training records)

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Driver / Transportation Specialist

Requirements:

Valid Massachusetts driver’s license
Clean driving record (CORI and RMV check)
CPR/First Aid certification
Defensive driving and passenger assistance training
DPU operating authority (company-wide)

Role: Transportation Manager / Dispatcher (for agencies)

Requirements:

Coordination of schedules, staff, and vehicle maintenance
Experience in NEMT or paratransit logistics

Mandatory Trainings:

HIPAA and confidentiality
Passenger safety and lift operations
Abuse, neglect, and emergency response
Cultural competency and disability awareness

7. MASSHEALTH & WAIVER PROGRAMS COVERING TRANSPORTATION

Transportation services are billable under:

MassHealth Standard and CommonHealth NEMT
ABI Waiver (Acquired Brain Injury)
MFP Waivers (Community Living and Residential Supports)
DDS Adult Waivers
Community Living Waiver (for seniors and individuals with physical disabilities)

Services must be coordinated with:

HST Brokers (e.g., MART, GATRA) for standard NEMT
Waiver support coordinators or transition teams for ISP-based rides
Case managers and program providers for billing and service alignment

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Registration and Licensing

Timeline: 1 month

Phase: DPU Certification and Insurance Setup

Timeline: 2–3 weeks

Phase: Medicaid/HST Broker Enrollment or Waiver Program Application

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Staff Training and Service Readiness

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: Start of Operations (based on referrals or contracts)Timeline: Ongoing

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

MassHealth Provider Enrollment Portal

https://www.mass.gov/orgs/masshealth

HST Office – Human Service Transportation

https://www.mass.gov/human-service-transportation

Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight

https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-public-utilities

Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (MART)

https://www.mrta.us

Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA)

https://www.gatra.org

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

WCG helps local entrepreneurs and agencies launch Medicaid-approved transportation services that connect people to the care and independence they need.

Scope of Work: