TRANSPORTATION SERVICES PROVIDER IN OREGON

HELPING MEDICAID MEMBERS ACCESS HEALTH CARE, WORK, AND COMMUNITY LIFE THROUGH SAFE, RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION SOLUTIONS

Transportation Services in Oregon are Medicaid-funded supports that enable individuals with disabilities, chronic health conditions, and other mobility limitations to attend medical appointments, day programs, work, and other community-based activities. These services are a key component of Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) and are available through Oregon’s Medicaid program, the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). Providers may deliver both Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) and community-based HCBS transportation as authorized by the individual’s plan of care.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Oregon Health Authority (OHA)

Role: Administers the Oregon Health Plan and oversees Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) brokers and Medicaid billing systems.

Agency: Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) – Aging and People with Disabilities (APD), Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS)

Role: Authorizes community-based transportation under HCBS Waivers and the K Plan; partners with local Community Developmental Disabilities Programs (CDDPs) and case managers.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight for Medicaid-funded transportation programs.

Agency: Oregon Secretary of State (SOS)

Role: Handles business registration and compliance for transportation providers.

Agency: Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT)

Role: May regulate vehicle inspections, driver safety standards, and other transportation compliance requirements.

2. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES OVERVIEW

Transportation services help individuals access necessary medical, therapeutic, vocational, and community services — promoting independence and inclusion.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT): Rides to Medicaid-covered appointments coordinated through regional brokers.

• Community Transportation (HCBS): Transportation to employment, day programs, or community activities as part of an Individual Support Plan (ISP).

• One-Way or Round-Trip Services: With scheduled or on-demand routing, based on care plan needs.

• Door-to-Door or Curb-to-Curb Support: Based on the participant’s mobility and support level.

• Accompanied Transportation (if authorized): Staff or family member rides along to assist during transport.

• Driver Support & Documentation: Logging mileage, pick-up/drop-off times, and incident reporting for Medicaid billing.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register your transportation business with the Oregon Secretary of State.

• Obtain EIN from the IRS and a Type 2 NPI.

• Enroll as a Medicaid transportation provider via the OHA Provider Portal.

• Secure approval through ODHS/DD or APD for HCBS community-based transport.

• Meet vehicle and driver requirements set by OHA, ODOT, or contracted brokers.

• Obtain commercial auto insurance, general liability, and workers’ comp.

• Develop a Transportation Services Policy & Procedure Manual compliant with Medicaid and safety guidelines.

4. OREGON PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Register your company and secure EIN/NPI and insurance.

Step 2: Enroll with Oregon Medicaid as an NEMT or HCBS transportation provider.

Step 3: Coordinate with the regional NEMT broker or request approval through local CDDPs or case managers.

Step 4: Complete driver background checks, safety training, and vehicle inspections.

Step 5: Begin accepting ride requests or referrals once authorized.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Business license and Articles of Incorporation

• EIN and NPI documentation

• Vehicle registration, inspection reports, and insurance certificates

• Driver background checks, DMV records, and training logs

• Transportation Services Policy & Procedure Manual, including:

  • Routing and scheduling procedures

  • Emergency protocols and client safety guidelines

  • Medicaid documentation and billing templates

  • HIPAA and confidentiality training for drivers

  • Vehicle maintenance and cleanliness logs

  • Passenger rights and incident reporting forms

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Transportation Driver

Requirements: Valid driver’s license; clean driving record; background check; CPR/First Aid and HIPAA training.

Role: Dispatcher / Scheduler (optional)

Requirements: Manages ride coordination, route efficiency, and client communication.

Role: Program Coordinator / Compliance Manager

Requirements: Oversees Medicaid documentation, billing, and quality control.

All staff must complete:

• HIPAA and confidentiality training

• Passenger assistance and lift/ramp operation (if applicable)

• Defensive driving and incident response procedures

• Annual training updates and vehicle safety reviews

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Transportation Services are funded through:

• K Plan (Community First Choice, 1915(k)): Community-based rides for individuals with ADL/IADL needs.

• Comprehensive & Support Services Waivers (IDD): Includes community integration and employment-related transport.

• APD HCBS Waivers: In-home and community transport for aging adults and individuals with physical disabilities.

• State Plan NEMT Benefit: Administered through OHA-contracted brokers for Medicaid-covered appointments.

• Children’s Waivers: May include transport to school-based or therapeutic services.

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation & Manual Development

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment & Broker/Agency Approval

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: Driver Hiring, Training & Vehicle Inspection

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Referral Readiness & Ride Coordination

Timeline: Begins once authorizations or contracts are in place

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Oregon Health Authority – NEMT & Provider Enrollment

Website: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HSD/OHP/Pages/Providers.aspx

ODHS – Aging and People with Disabilities

Website: https://www.oregon.gov/dhs

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Website: https://www.cms.gov

Local NEMT Brokers (e.g., RideToCare, LogistiCare/ModivCare)Find contact details via https://www.oregon.gov/oha

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

WCG equips transportation providers in Oregon with the tools, training, and compliance systems needed to launch and grow Medicaid-funded transportation programs.

Scope of Work:

• Business registration, Medicaid enrollment, and broker/vendor application support

• Custom Transportation Policy & Procedure Manual

• Driver hiring templates, credentialing trackers, and training protocols

• Vehicle inspection checklists and maintenance logs

• Medicaid trip log templates and billing documentation

• Referral-building strategies with case managers and broker networks

• Emergency procedures and incident documentation systems

Continue To Our Client Portal To Get Started

Our Client Portal offers a wealth of resources that you can explore related to various programs and state requirements.