TRANSPORTATION SERVICES PROVIDER IN NEW JERSEY

Fatumata Kaba
Sep 4
4 min read

ENSURING ACCESS TO CARE AND COMMUNITY THROUGH SAFE, RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION

Transportation Services in New Jersey provide non-emergency medical and community transportation for individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, or mobility challenges. These services facilitate access to medical appointments, social activities, work, and community resources, promoting independence and social inclusion. Transportation Services are authorized under New Jersey Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS)

Role: Administers Medicaid waiver funding for Transportation Services and manages provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement.

Agency: Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (DMAHS)

Role: Ensures quality standards, service delivery, and compliance for Transportation Services under HCBS waiver programs.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight ensuring Medicaid-funded Transportation Services meet HCBS quality, person-centered planning, and participant protection standards.

2. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES OVERVIEW

Transportation Services ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to healthcare, social, and community activities through reliable transportation.

Approved providers may deliver:

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT): Rides to medical appointments, therapies, and healthcare services.
Community Access Transportation: Travel to community centers, social events, and support groups.
Employment Transportation: Rides to work or vocational training.
Recreational and Social Transportation: Facilitating participation in community events and activities.
Specialized Transport: Vehicles equipped for wheelchairs, mobility aids, and accessible seating.
Door-to-Door Assistance: Helping passengers from their residence to the vehicle and destination.
Escort or Companion Services: Assisting individuals who need additional support during travel.

All services are delivered according to the Individualized Service Plan (ISP) to meet the specific transportation needs of the participant.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register the business entity with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).
Enroll as a Medicaid Waiver Transportation provider via the New Jersey Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal.
Obtain necessary permits and licenses from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC).
Maintain general liability, professional liability, and vehicle insurance.
Develop policies for passenger safety, vehicle maintenance, and driver training.
Ensure drivers meet background checks, health screenings, and defensive driving training requirements.

4. NEW JERSEY PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Complete the Provider Enrollment Application through the New Jersey Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal for Transportation Services under HCBS waivers.

Application and Documentation Submission:

Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, vehicle insurance certificates, driver qualifications, and policy manuals.

Program Readiness Review:

DHS and DMAHS evaluate provider readiness, including safety protocols, driver training, and vehicle maintenance procedures.

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

Upon approval, providers are authorized to bill Medicaid for Transportation Services using designated billing codes.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License (New Jersey Division of Revenue)
IRS EIN confirmation
NPI confirmation
Vehicle Registration and Safety Inspection Documents
Proof of general liability, professional liability, and vehicle insurance
Transportation Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Trip scheduling, passenger assistance, and route planning procedures
- Driver credentialing, background checks, and training records
- Safety protocols for transporting individuals with mobility aids
- Vehicle maintenance, inspection, and cleanliness standards
- HIPAA compliance, passenger rights, and grievance handling
- Documentation standards for trip logs, billing, and compliance tracking
- Emergency preparedness, accident reporting, and incident management

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Transportation Program Director

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, transportation management, or related field; supervisory experience preferred.

Role: Drivers/Transportation Aides

Requirements: Valid New Jersey driver’s license with a clean driving record; defensive driving and passenger assistance training; CPR/First Aid certification; background clearance.

Role: Dispatch Coordinators

Requirements: Experience in logistics, scheduling, and customer support; background clearance.

All staff must complete: