How is non-medical transport different from NEMT?
NEMT trips go to medical appointments and are usually paid through Medicaid brokers or plans with their own credentialing and paperwork. Non-medical transport is paid by riders, families or care providers directly, so the plan focuses on recurring customers, contracts with senior living and day centres, and pricing.[1]
The template
Replace everything in square brackets.
1. SUMMARY Business: [name], [area] Services: [door-to-door rides, escorted trips, shopping and social trips, day-centre runs] Customers: [older adults, disabled riders, families, senior living, day centres] 2. CUSTOMERS AND CONTRACTS Senior living communities: [names] Day centres and clubs: [names] Families and private riders: [how reached] 3. SERVICES Door-to-door or door-through-door: [ ] Escort / companion option: [ ] Wheelchair-accessible vehicles: [n] Recurring schedules: [weekly shopping, daily day-centre runs] 4. PRICING Per trip: [ ] / per hour: [ ] / per mile beyond [ ] miles: [ ] Contract rates for facilities: [ ] Cancellation policy: [ ] 5. OPERATIONS Vehicles, drivers (checks and training), booking (phone, family portal), dispatch and reminders. 6. LICENSING AND INSURANCE [Local for-hire or transportation permit if required], [commercial auto], [general liability] 7. COSTS AND CASH FLOW (12 MONTHS) [ ] 8. RISKS [One large contract] -> [spread across several facilities]
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a special licence for non-medical transportation?
It depends on the state and city: some require a for-hire or passenger transportation permit, others only a business licence and commercial insurance. Check with your state's transportation regulator and your city.
Can a non-medical transportation business also do NEMT later?
Yes. Many providers start with private-pay and facility work, then add Medicaid NEMT once they are enrolled and credentialed with a broker or plan.
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] CMS: Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (provider booklet, driver and vehicle criteria) (read 2 Nov 2026)
- [2] U.S. Small Business Administration: Write your business plan (read 2 Nov 2026)