TRANSPORTATION SERVICES PROVIDER IN TENNESSEE

Fatumata Kaba
3 days ago
3 min read

CONNECTING INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND HEALTH NEEDS TO ESSENTIAL SERVICES, DAY PROGRAMS, AND COMMUNITY LIFE THROUGH SAFE, RELIABLE MEDICAID-APPROVED TRANSPORTATION

Transportation Services under TennCare support individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, or mobility limitations by providing non-emergency, medically necessary or community-based rides to and from appointments, day programs, work, and other essential activities. These services are available through TennCare’s Medicaid State Plan, ECF CHOICES, 1915(c) Waivers, and Katie Beckett waivers for eligible children.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: TennCare (Tennessee Medicaid)

Role: Administers transportation services through managed care organizations (MCOs) and waiver programs.

Agency: Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD)

Role: Oversees transportation supports for waiver participants with I/DD and ensures service inclusion in ISPs.

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

Role: Regulates Medicaid reimbursement standards for non-emergency transportation (NEMT) and community supports.

Vendor Partner (Brokered): ModivCare (formerly LogistiCare)

Role: Manages Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) under the TennCare State Plan for routine healthcare visits.

2. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES OVERVIEW

Transportation services under Medicaid waivers may fall into two categories:

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT): Covered under the State Plan for rides to physician appointments, dialysis, therapy, etc.
Community-Based Transportation (Waiver-Based): Covered under waivers for day programs, employment, habilitation, and other ISP-related activities.

Approved transportation supports may include:

Individual or shared rides to and from day services, therapy, work, or approved social/recreational events
Wheelchair-accessible transportation
Mileage reimbursement (if family or informal supports provide transport under a waiver)
Transportation with trained staff accompanying the participant (if required)

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register business with the Tennessee Secretary of State
Obtain EIN and Type 2 NPI
Enroll with TennCare MCOs and/or DIDD as a Transportation Services provider
Ensure vehicle(s) meet safety, insurance, and accessibility requirements
Drivers must pass background checks and complete required training
Develop a Transportation Services Policy & Procedure Manual

4. TENNESSEE PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Form legal entity and acquire EIN/NPI

Step 2: Apply as a transportation provider with DIDD and/or TennCare MCOs

Step 3: Submit documentation for each vehicle (registration, inspection, insurance) and each driver (license, training, background)

Step 4: Complete initial compliance review and vehicle inspection

Step 5: Begin accepting ride authorizations and delivering services per ISP or NEMT assignment

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Business registration, EIN, NPI
Driver’s license, MVR report, background check, and First Aid/CPR certification
Vehicle registration, liability insurance, and inspection documents
Transportation Services Policy & Procedure Manual, including:
- Safety protocols and emergency response
- Rider assistance and wheelchair lift procedures
- No-show and cancellation policies
- Mileage logs and billing templates
- Passenger incident reporting process
- HIPAA and confidentiality policies

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Driver / Transportation Support Staff

Requirements: Valid driver’s license, clear MVR, CPR/First Aid certification, abuse prevention training

Role: Transportation Coordinator (for agencies)

Requirements: Scheduling, dispatch experience, Medicaid compliance knowledge

Optional Role: Attendant / Aide (if rider requires in-vehicle assistance)

Requirements: Background clearance, ability to manage behavior or assist mobility

All transportation staff must complete:

TennCare/DIDD-required training on safety, abuse prevention, and participant rights
Emergency procedures, HIPAA training, and proper documentation practices
Periodic vehicle and skills evaluations

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Transportation services are offered under:

TennCare State Plan (via ModivCare) – Medical appointment rides for Medicaid enrollees
ECF CHOICES – Rides for employment, day services, ISP-driven activities
1915(c) Waivers – Community integration and habilitation-related transportation
Katie Beckett Program (Part B) – Rides for essential therapies, activities, or school-day supports

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation & Fleet Readiness

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: TennCare/DIDD Enrollment & Credentialing

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: Driver Onboarding & Vehicle Inspections

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Service Activation

Timeline: Once contracts are signed and ride authorizations are received

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

TennCare (Tennessee Medicaid Program)

Website: https://www.tn.gov/tenncare