TRANSPORTATION SERVICES PROVIDER IN ALASKA

Fatumata Kaba
Jun 30
4 min read

Updated: 7 days ago

ENSURING ACCESS TO ESSENTIAL CARE AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Transportation Services in Alaska support individuals enrolled in Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waiver programs by providing non-emergency transportation to medical appointments, habilitation services, employment, and community integration activities. These services are critical for enabling independence, preventing isolation, and ensuring individuals can access the resources outlined in their person-centered service plans.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Alaska Department of Health – Division of Senior and Disabilities Services (SDS)

Role: Authorizes transportation providers, monitors quality and safety, and ensures transportation aligns with waiver goals

Agency: Alaska Medicaid (under the Department of Health)

Role: Handles Medicaid provider enrollment and reimbursement for transportation services under approved HCBS Waivers

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures compliance with HCBS non-medical transportation policies

2. TRANSPORTATION SERVICE OVERVIEW

Transportation Services under HCBS waivers are designed to help individuals travel to and from waiver-approved services and community activities. These are non-emergency trips and must be related to goals in the individual's care plan.

Approved providers may deliver:

Transportation to and from medical or therapy appointments
Rides to day habilitation, job coaching, or supported employment
Community access trips (e.g., grocery stores, community centers, volunteer sites)
Assistance with entering/exiting the vehicle, securing mobility devices
Monitoring and documentation of trip purpose, duration, and mileage

Vehicles must be safe, well-maintained, and appropriately equipped for the population being served.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register business with the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Secure a physical business office or dispatch location in Alaska
Hold necessary Alaska business and transportation licenses
Maintain commercial vehicle insurance and liability coverage
Ensure all drivers have valid driver’s licenses and clean driving records
Maintain a fleet of insured, ADA-accessible vehicles (if serving individuals with mobility needs)

4. SDS PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Request the Transportation Services Provider application from SDS
Participate in SDS orientation and review applicable waiver program guidelines

Application & Documentation Submission:

Submit service delivery plan including transportation routes, scheduling procedures, and vehicle inspection policies
Include sample trip logs, driver training schedules, and incident report templates
Provide proof of vehicle registration, insurance, and inspection records

Readiness Review:

Background checks for all drivers and support staff
Review of scheduling and dispatch software (if applicable)
Inspection of vehicles for accessibility, safety features, and proper maintenance logs

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

Once approved by SDS, enroll through Alaska MMIS as a Transportation Services provider
Select appropriate transportation billing codes under HCBS Waivers
Finalize Medicaid provider agreement and configure claims submission system

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License
IRS EIN Letter
NPI confirmation
Proof of office or dispatch location in Alaska
SDS-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Scheduling, pick-up, and drop-off procedures
- Documentation of trip purpose and service plan alignment
- Driver screening, training, and supervision policies
- Emergency response and incident management protocols
- Maintenance and vehicle safety checklists
- Client confidentiality and rights during transport
- Consent forms and transportation service agreements
- Trip logs, mileage tracking, and Medicaid-compliant billing records