Is senior transportation the same as NEMT?
No. Medicaid's transportation benefit covers travel needed to secure medical examinations and treatment, so a ride to the shops or a social club is not NEMT. A senior transportation business can do both, but the non-medical work is paid by the rider, the family or a contract.[1]
Who are the customers?
Older people and their families booking regular trips, care homes and senior living communities that need outings and appointment runs, and day centres. Contract customers want reliable regular slots and one monthly invoice.
Contract billing works like corporate accounts.
Which licences does it need?
The ordinary passenger-transport licences where you operate: in England and Wales, private hire licensing for pre-booked cars up to 8 passengers; in the US, your state or city's rules for passenger carriers.
Country rules: start a taxi business by place.
How do you run regular senior trips?
As standing orders with the same driver where possible, door-to-door help, and a call or message before arrival.
TaxiDex recurring bookings and customer notifications handle both.
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicaid pay for seniors' shopping trips?
Not under the NEMT benefit, which covers transport to medical care; other programmes in your state may cover some non-medical trips.
Can a senior transport business also do NEMT?
Yes, if it enrols and is credentialed for Medicaid trips; see how to become a NEMT provider.
Sources
Fees and rules change. Each source is the official page we read, with the date we read it; check it before you apply or pay.
- [1] eCFR: 42 CFR 440.170(a), transportation and the NEMT brokerage program (read 3 Nov 2026)
Related
- How to start a NEMT business
- Non-medical transportation business plan
- Start a wheelchair transportation business
- How to become a NEMT provider with a broker
- NEMT driver certification: what drivers need
- How to start a medical transportation business with one van
- How much does it cost to start a NEMT business?