TRANSPORTATION SERVICES PROVIDER IN SOUTH CAROLINA

Fatumata Kaba
Oct 13
3 min read

ENSURING ACCESS TO ESSENTIAL MEDICAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICES THROUGH SAFE, RELIABLE, AND MEDICAID-APPROVED NON-EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION

Transportation Services in South Carolina help Medicaid recipients travel to medical appointments, day programs, waiver-authorized activities, and community events. These services are critical for individuals with disabilities or limited mobility who would otherwise face barriers to care and inclusion. Medicaid reimburses transportation through both State Plan services and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers, such as the CLTC, ID/RD, HASCI, and Community Supports Waivers.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS)

Role: Oversees Medicaid-funded Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) and waiver-authorized transportation services.

Agency: South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN)

Role: Coordinates transportation for participants in waiver programs, including adult day services and supported employment.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**

Role: Regulates Medicaid transportation funding and access requirements under federal HCBS guidelines.

2. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES OVERVIEW

These services include the coordination and provision of non-emergency rides to authorized services, including day programs, medical appointments, therapy, and employment-related activities.

Approved providers may offer:

Waiver Transportation: Trips to and from day programs, community events, and employment
Medicaid NEMT Services: For eligible medical appointments under the State Plan
Escort Support (if needed): For individuals requiring supervision
Trip Logging and Mileage Documentation
Lift-Equipped or Accessible Vehicle Services (required for certain clients)
Routine & Scheduled Routes or On-Demand Services

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the South Carolina Secretary of State
Obtain EIN and Type 2 NPI
Enroll as a transportation provider through SCDHHS and/or DDSN
Submit vehicle inspection records and insurance
Maintain a drug-free workplace policy and driver safety training
Develop a Transportation Services Policy & Procedure Manual
Comply with ADA requirements for vehicle accessibility (if applicable)

4. SOUTH CAROLINA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Register business, obtain EIN/NPI

Step 2: Submit Medicaid transportation provider application to SCDHHS or DDSN

Step 3: Submit required vehicle specs, driver credentials, and safety protocols

Step 4: Undergo readiness review and receive provider number

Step 5: Begin accepting referrals or routing assignments from case managers

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation, EIN, and NPI
Provider approval from SCDHHS and/or DDSN
Vehicle registration and inspection reports
Driver’s license, training certificates, background checks
Transportation Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Route scheduling and dispatch procedures
- Participant safety and emergency protocols
- Vehicle maintenance and accessibility policies
- Mileage logs, trip documentation, and billing forms
- HIPAA and participant rights compliance
- Critical incident reporting and backup plan documentation

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Driver / Transportation Aide

Requirements:

Valid SC driver’s license (CDL not always required)
CPR/First Aid, defensive driving certification
Background check and drug screening
ADA accessibility and passenger assistance training

Role: Transportation Coordinator (Recommended)

Requirements: Manages scheduling, staff supervision, and vehicle compliance

All staff must complete:

HIPAA and confidentiality training
Emergency evacuation and incident response drills
Vehicle inspection and documentation procedures
Annual refresher on safety and participant support protocols

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Transportation Services are covered under:

ID/RD Waiver – For day program, community activities, and employment-related rides
Community Supports Waiver – For limited transportation tied to service goals
HASCI Waiver – For rehabilitation, day services, or therapy-related trips
CLTC (Community Long Term Care) – Typically under the NEMT umbrella
State Plan Medicaid (NEMT) – For medical trips managed through LogistiCare or Modivcare (as the transportation broker)