FEATURED
The Importance of NEMTAC Accreditation
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NEMT Industry Stakeholders View on Accreditation PAGE 10
ALSO
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A Letter from NEMTAC's Executive Director
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Effie Carlson President
Melissa Jankowski Executive Director
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Julie Correll Board Secretary
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Chris Kelly Board Member
Board of Directors
Michael Shabkie NEMTAC Founder
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Respect The System
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Peter Hicks Board Vice President
Accreditation: A Pathway To Better Outcomes For Providers
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This is a special edition for NEMT Today. We officially turned three years old, and I have a slice of cake for each of you in my fridge. With each issue, I get an opportunity to reflect on our initiatives and share incredible content from across the industry. The last three months have been no exception. In fact, with each passing month, NEMTAC is gaining more and more momentum with our initiatives. But what I’m most excited to highlight in this edition is NEMTAC naming Effie Carlson as our new Board President. Effie has been serving on the NEMTAC board for the last six months and brings a strategic, thoughtful, and energetic approach to the board that will help us move our missions further, faster. NEMTAC has recently achieved another significant milestone in our organization by completing the accreditation pilot program. We accredited three exceptional organizations in CA, GA, and AL. In March, we opened up accreditation to the industry and are looking forward to accrediting many more organizations in the future. On the following pages, you will find informative articles on the importance of accreditation to various stakeholders. We couldn’t have reached this milestone without our dedicated advisory board members who committed countless hours in developing the national accreditation standards. Finally, It's hard to believe that the NEMTAC annual conference is less than six months away. I’m excited to have the opportunity to see you all in person after the long year we have all had. We expanded capacity and expect to sell out our conference this year. The buzz from attendees and exhibitors looking to network, teach and unwind has been encouraging. Our deadline for speaker proposals is May 1st. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to present at the 2nd annual NEMTAC conference. Attendee and Exhibitor registration will open in May as well; keep a lookout for those announcements via our conference page and social media channels.
Eliot Kalter Board Treasurer
The Transportation Alliiance Looks at Tech Improvements
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David Marhoffer, Board Member, not pictured
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Marketing Your NEMT Business
Bill George Board Member
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7 Ways Health Policy Can Generate NEMT Opportunities
Table of Contents
NEMT Industry Stakeholders View on Accreditation
5 Ways To Recover From A Brain Freeze
Legislation Opens Opportunity for NEMT Industry
Arizone Increases Access to Drive-Through Vaccinations
NEMTAC Advisory Board Members
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How Much Do NEMT Companies Make?
Accreditation Michael Shabkie and Eric Lane, Co-Chairs Carlos Ayestas, Priority Transportation Services Dori Boyle, Idaho Department of Health & Welfare Frank Ciccarella, Synergize Consulting, LLC Mindy Ginsberg, FR Conversions Max Gorin, LifeLine Ambulance Melissa Jankowski, NEMTAC Eric Lane, Bankers Insurance Valerie Lefler, Feonix Mobility Rising Michael Pinske, AmeriCare Mobility Van Michael Shabkie, NEMTAC Jim Smith, JC Paratransit Solutions Roddrelle Sykes, 3rd Millennium Insurance William van der Linde, Old Dominion Transportation Group Scott West, NEMT Solutions, LLC Compliance and Regulatory Julie Correll and Dan Reid, Co-Chairs Maggie Adams, EMS Financial Services Michael Adelberg, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP Julie Correll, NEMTAC Jennifer Cross-Hodge, Volunteer Transportation Center, Inc. Laura Fleet, SendaRide, Inc Crystal Ford, Orange County EMS Melissa Jankowski, NEMTAC Martha Kendall, Tennessee Carriers Tammy, Mihm, State of Tennessee Edward Platt, Coordinated Transportation Solution, Inc. (CTS) Mark Porterfield, Careavan Transports Dan Reid, Grove Transit Kevin Teasdale, Secure Medical Transportation Certification Peter Hicks and Jim Adkins, Co-Chairs Kelly Addy, Clear Choice Express, LLC Jim Adkins, SouthStar Emergency Medical Services Howard Berkowitz, H&S Personal Car Service & Consulting, Inc Zackary Clemons, Solutions Medical Transport Jeremy Geyman, ModivCare Peter Hicks, NEMTAC Melissa Jankowski, NEMTAC Courtney Muchugu, United Transportation Group Jennifer Place, MAS Cris Sierra, ComfortCare Transportation Resource and Conference Christopher Kelly and Travis Draney, Co-Chairs Stephanie Barton, TripSpark Medical Howard Berkowitz, H&S Personal Car Service & Consulting, Inc Mike Chatelain, Risk Services of Louisiana, a Leavitt Group Co Travis Draney, Nonpareil Care, LLC Melissa Jankowski, NEMTAC Christopher Kelly, NEMTAC Manuel Leon, NEMT Industry Consultant Gabriel Lullo, BiTS Misti Mills, Two M Insight Group Stephen Newman, 360 Quality Care + Transport Svc Jason Stempin, VMI Technology Michael Shabkie and Jack Hayes, Co-Chairs Jonathon Anthon, Route Genie Kyle Archer, Passio Technologies Arthur Attal, Via Tony Bradshaw, Bradshaw Consulting Services (BCS) Dominic Buono, UZURV Holdings Inc Sufian Chowdhury, Kinetik Healthcare Solutions, Inc Imran Cronk, Ride Health Jack Hayes, BiTS Melissa Jankowski, NEMTAC Brendan McNiff, Roundtrip Anantha Rao, Wellryde David Reinkensmeyer, Schedule Viewer, LLC Michael Shabkie, NEMTAC Ben Salter, SafeRide Health Joe Tovar, TripSpark Medical
Advisory Boards
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MD, RN, EMT, EMT-P, CTS … there are a lot of initials in healthcare and healthcare transportation, and each one tells us something about the person who’s name they follow. Because each of these represents a standard, structured, objective course of training, these letters tell us a lot about that person’s affiliations, education, and skill-set before we even meet them. And letters aren’t just for people; they are for organizations too. JACO, CAAS, and NEMTAC have set the standard for hospital, ambulance, and NEMT accreditation. Those letters attached to a company tell you a lot about that company’s policies, practices, and structure before you ever walk through their front door. They tell you that the company has been reviewed, tested, and come through with a passing grade when compared against those accreditation organizations’ standards. For many years I have been involved with certifying and accrediting bodies. I have a seat on the board of directors for the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Accreditation Commission (NEMTAC), which provides education and certification for drivers, accreditation of the companies they work for, and soon to be credentialing for non-ambulance medical transportation providers (such as wheelchair van services and their drivers). I also teach courses for the National Academy of Ambulance Compliance (NAAC) which provides training and certification of ambulance suppliers’ administrative staff in the areas of coding, billing, documentation, and HIPAA compliance. Some have asked me if education and certification is essential for these individuals or companies. My answer is an absolute and resounding YES! And this has nothing to do with me having an interest in these organizations (NEMTAC board members are all volunteers, and I have no incentive to enroll anyone in any class that I teach- whether it’s attended by 1 or 100, it’s the same to me), it is because I understand the goals of and appreciate the work that goes into these certification and accreditation programs that I have become involved with them. We all seem to recognize that EMTs and Paramedics need training, certifications, and licensing, perhaps because it is required under state laws. But if it wasn’t required, would these individuals need any less training? Of course not; their training is there to protect the patients they serve. The training of other staff members serves a similar purpose; it protects your customers and your company! You may have heard of the Peter principle- that employees rise to the level of their incompetence. This principle is not as bad as it may sound. All it really means is that good employees get promoted, even if it means taking them from jobs where they have excelled and putting them into higher positions where they may not have the tools to continue being successful. This is often the case when an employee good at one job is promoted to another position that they are not familiar with. However, when you have training options, there is no need to follow that path, and in healthcare, the most regulated industry in our country, there is simply no room or excuse for doing so. Job-specific training allows employees to perform better. It also shows that employers care that these job functions are performed up to professional standards. When employers require or even pay for this training for their employees, it demonstrates a good-faith effort to apply best practices. When companies go through an accreditation process, it shows the entire company wants to be held to the highest standards. So, let’s say that you agree that training and education are excellent, but think that you can do it quicker and cheaper by buying a book and handing it over to your staff- mission accomplished, right? Maybe not. Training and education should be a step toward an actual certification or accreditation. Why? Because certifications show your employee not only read the materials at some point in their past, but they also understand how to apply them to their job and that they have kept up with changes over time. This happens because certification programs have professionally developed curriculum, have validation tests for completion, and have continuing education requirements that guarantee that the employee’s training is not outdated and potentially wrong or even dangerous. Likewise, accreditation shows that your company has policies and practices and that those have been reviewed against nationally accepted standards. Think of it this way: Some of the benefits of certification of an individual, or accreditation of a company, include: Evidence knowledge and competence in a specific job/industry-related area Increases the employee’s value to an organization Increases an organization’s value to their business partners Instills respect, recognition, and credibility among peers in an industry Increases ability to compete in the market
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By Christopher Kelly, Attorney, Page, Wolfberg & Worth
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The Importance of ... continued
There are also benefits of certification to an employer: Increases the level of competency of the individual Encourages and improves job performance and job satisfaction Provides an opportunity to acknowledge an individual who has achieved a high level of training Increases the confidence of business partners who see certified professionals in your organization When outsiders view your company, whether it be other businesses, auditors, investigators, or litigators, what do you want them to see? A company that operates under an “ignorance is bliss” mentality, or one that is accredited by a recognized authority and further strives for perfection by having educated and certified employees? I can assure you, the latter is going to be viewed in a much more favorable light. Christopher Kelly is an attorney with the law firm Page, Wolfberg & Wirth. Nothing in this article is intended as legal advice. For questions Chris can be reached at ckelly@pwwemslaw.com
We created Non Emergency Medical Transportation Accreditation Commission (NEMTAC) in 2018 to serve as the neutral, unifying resource for the NEMT industry and to ensure providers are recognized as true healthcare professionals. NEMTAC is the one place where providers, regulators, payers, brokers, and other key stakeholders collaborate on critically important initiatives. The question I get asked most often is, “why should we invest in accrediting our company?” The simple answer is, there is no better way to demonstrate to the passengers you serve, the families that care for them, the payers that pay you, and the entire healthcare industry that you are a professional organization. This is a big moment for NEMT company operators and the opportunities are unprecedented. Join us as we roll up our sleeves, tackle the significant challenges, and positively impact the communities we serve. -Michael Shabkie, Founder NEMTAC NEMT Provider: Kevin Teasdale, Managing Partner, Secure Medical Transportation Accreditation is a bridge for providers into a new era of NEMT. For too long, medical transportation has operated in the shadows, with little oversight. Promoting standards and establishing best practices will help NEMT providers understand what a safe and quality operation is supposed to look like. This process also educates payors to recognize and reward companies that have chosen to operate the right way. The NEMT industry needs to evolve and providers must be equipped with knowledge and industry expertise, which was previously hard to find. NEMTAC is playing such a crucial role in speeding up the evolution process and helping NEMT get more recognition in supporting healthcare. I believe accreditation will be the guide to helping individual providers contribute to building a safer and stronger industry ecosystem that earns a more prominent role at the healthcare table. NEMT Heathcare Payer: Effie Carlson, Chief Growth Officer, Healthcents Accreditation is at its core a commitment to the establishment and adoption of standards that drive consistent, effective, and quality care while building an infrastructure that looks for opportunities for continuous improvement. As governments, payers, and brokers look to their goals in managing their NEMT benefit and provider network, an accredited and standardized network is the key to success by reducing service variability, setting a baseline, and allowing for strategic partnerships with providers - moreover, they should consider systemwide adoption of accreditation as accredited providers have made a public commitment to quality and improvement for themselves and the industry. Additionally, accreditation makes the credentialing and contracting process more streamlined by setting a bar that has been independently verified by NEMTAC. It would allow for narrow network development or preferred provider relationships and even value-based contracting options to incentivize quality outcomes and member management. Once you have built your provider network, the ongoing maintenance and management is where the real work begins. Accreditation offers a benchmark to measure against, as a regulator, payer, or broker who is looking to identify opportunities or manage risk. Accreditation is a tool for payers to ensure the foundational compliance of their NEMT benefits.
NEMT Insurance Broker: Eric Lane, Commercial Risk-National Accounts, Bankers Insurance The NEMTAC Accreditation process is rigorous. It’s demanding by design and transportation providers that are able to meet the requirements to become Accredited set themselves worlds apart from their peers. When an insurance carrier is looking at Non-Emergency Medical Transportation operators and considering offering terms, that’s what they are looking for, transportation providers that exceed industry standards. For many years the NEMT industry has operated without prevailing standards of excellence and that has resulted in poor loss performance for insurance carriers. This has been the primary driver of the high premium that many NEMT operators are forced to pay. They can’t operate without insurance and with so few carriers willing to underwrite the business the competitive environment is virtually non-existent. What Accreditation does for NEMT operators is demonstrate to insurance underwriters that this is a business that goes above and beyond to achieve levels of operational excellence that exceed their peer group. Robust compliance programs, expansive onboarding of new hires and consistent training of employees are hallmarks of the recently Accredited transportation providers. One thing that all three of these have in common is that they work to mitigate risk and insurance carriers fawn over proactive risk management. When an insurance program available in select states was launched in 2019 around Accreditation standards, the carrier and broker that offer that program were adamant that, whether an organization was Accredited or not, they would meet the high standards set by NEMTAC. The transportation providers in this program operate high performing businesses and have loss experience that is superior to their peer group. Rising to the standards of Accreditation has had a meaningful impact to these operators and the insurance carrier has rewarded them with premium incentives. My greatest hope is that this program will expand to other states. Accreditation is the Pathway to Better Outcomes because it separates the wheat from the chaff, the good from the great. The bifurcation of insurance pricing for Accredited versus non-Accredited operators will occur because Accredited operators are better risks for carriers to insure. They have fewer incidents, they train their employees better and they have internal policies and procedures that proactively address potential causes of loss. All of that leads to the inevitable improvement in insurance expenses for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation providers that rise to the top, the evidence of which is that Seal that states they are Accredited.
NEMT State Medicaid Office: Dori Boyle, Medicaid Program Specialist, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Medicaid is an entitlement program and serves some of the most disadvantaged populations. Eligible individuals have rights to payment for medically necessary health care services. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services establish requirements for service delivery, quality, funding, and eligibility standards and has implemented Initiatives to improve health care outcomes, reduce program costs, as well as improve coordination of services. As Medicaid and other Managed care organizations strive to create scalable solutions for meeting CMS requirements and addressing their initiatives, having highly qualified NEMT service providers is key to a payers success. While Medicaid programs differ from state to state in structure and benefits, having highly qualified NEMT service providers should not. Medicaid is responsible for ensuring State and Federal regulations are met and expects the same high level of quality service from every NEMT provider. This means our provider partners are notified of new or proposed NEMT rule changes and have the tools needed to meet service level requirements and expectations. The NEMTAC has a dedicated diverse group of professionals with CMS knowledge and NEMT experience and expertise who have set measurable quality-based guidelines for NEMT services and business operations. NEMT providers who receive certification will be well informed and have standards in place for drivers, vehicles, and financial operations. Receiving and maintaining certification will help maximize a NEMT companies value, give them a competitive edge, and the evidence to show their service is a direct solution to helping payers achieve quality health care outcomes for their beneficiaries. NEMT Broker: Carlos Ayestas, VP of Client Relations, Priority Transportation Services NEMTAC Accreditation is important because it show a vested commitment to the NEMT industry by the individual provider companies. WE would be apt to partner with companies that have the accreditation as we feel that it shows that they have taken the time to plug into a larger organization which pushes out current trends, training, and general information relative to our industry. The accreditation provides access to the appropriate training for a provider to ensure that they are properly and safely transporting and treating their clients. Lastly, having accreditation shows a standard that we must all work towards (broker & provider) in order to make our industry the best that it can be. Being a broker and marketing our services to insurance companies we are always looking for a way to position the fact that NEMTAC is an accrediting body as we feel it provides additional credibility and expertise to our services.
NEMT Industry Stakeholders ... continued
NEMT County Regulator: Crystal Ford, Compliance Officer, Orange County EMS Accreditation emphasizes quality assurance, a commitment to continuous quality enhancement and provides a self-regulatory alternative for oversight functions. For a regulator, it’s comforting having one independent organization that focuses on NEMT accreditation, certification, and transportation provider standards. Basically, someone has done the hard work for you. Accreditation provides uniform best practices for the NEMT industry and ensures access to qualified transportation providers. It’s important to note that NEMT providers transport our most vulnerable population, concrete steps to proper oversight of these providers is crucial. NEMT Consumer: Scott West, CEO, NEMT Solutions, LLC Passengers in need of medical transportation services have high standards. NEMTAC accreditation demonstrates to them a commitment to quality and safety allowing them to feel confident about the provision of medical transportation services within their community. NEMTAC accreditation communicates to passengers and their families that the NEMT company provides exceptional quality and safety that adheres to national compliance standards. Accreditation means something to those organizations. By becoming NEMTAC accredited, NEMT organizations demonstrate to its customers, payors and NEMT community an unparalleled commitment to quality and compliance standards.
By Frank Ciccarella, Owner Synergize Consulting, LLC
Will the vehicle break down? Is the vehicle safe?s the vehicle safe? How will the driver talk to my mother /father? Will the driver wear identification, so I know who they are? Is the driver dressed appropriately? What if I get sick on the ride? We have to remember that the driver is our direct representative to the community. Their actions or non-actions can either help ensure more ridership and increased business or lead to lost business and a bad reputation. I am sure that we have all heard the horror stories of an operation or operator who is terrible and demonstrates poor service to the consumer. The consumer base in NEMT is a community group, and they all talk among themselves. A main topic can be poor transportation, not being on time, or unsafe vehicles. A good topic can foster repeat business and good community relationships. It does not take long for the word to spread! It is important to understand that you will be setting yourself on the high bar of achievement by taking on the accreditation process. Also, when you accredit your company, you meet the consumer's expectations who uses your services. I believe that accreditation will be the guide to helping individual providers contribute to building a safer and stronger industry ecosystem that earns a more prominent role at the healthcare table. For more information, please contact NEMTAC.org and check out their website. Frank Ciccarella is an independent consultant with Synergize Consulting LLC. We specialize in developing public transportation companies in the NEMT, Paratransit, and Fixed Route industry. For more information about Synergize Consulting LLC, check out our website at www.synergizconsulting.solutions or contact me at frankc@synergizeconsulting.solutions .
Accreditation: A Pathway to Better Outcome for Providers
In the world that we operate in, the consumer is demanding and expects to have a safe, efficient, on time, and comfortable trip from point A to Point B and back to point A. That being said, how do we as providers ensure that we meet and exceed these expectations? How do we as providers provide a gold standard of care to the consumers who use our service? These questions and their answers are not always easy to identify and implement in our organizations. Having a good training program or a good maintenance program is not enough to meet these consumer expectations. I see a lot of companies and talk to many folks about their programs and operations; some of them tell me that they have everything they need to operate and satisfy their clients. But the question is, do they really know? How do they compare with the other companies, and how does the consumer view their services? Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Accreditation I want to introduce you to the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Accreditation program, designed to enhance and promote the quality of care in the non-emergency medical transportation industry. This program will help you obtain accreditation for your organization and signify to its customers and stakeholders that you have met or exceeded the NEMT Industry standards of excellence. How does accreditation help your organization and the consumer/client? There are many times that I am working as an expert witness on a case, working for the plaintiff, deciding upon what problems the organization had that caused the problem. Often, it is in the training area, complicated with operational issues that are not sound practices. Understanding accreditation will help with your best practices, serve as a market differential, and improve the consumer's delivery of services. Ultimately get them from Point A to Point B and back to Point A in a safe, efficient, on time, and comfortable trip. The NEMTAC accreditation communicates to passengers and their families that your company provides exceptional quality and safety that adheres to national compliance standards. The Process of Accreditation When thinking about accreditation, how do you set the programs, policies, and procedures of your operation? The areas that we look at are: Organizational Management Human Resources Driver Credentialing Compliance Program / Ethical Business Practices Vehicle Maintenance Fleet Operations Communications Well, this is quite a listing of significant areas. Included under each of these areas are topics that will help us understand your business and show if you need to supplement your programs, policies, or procedures. Some of these areas are: Insurance requirements Drug Screening Fraud Waste and Abuse Training Vehicle Inspection Checklists Call Center / Dispatch Operations Policy and Procedures These are only a few of the topics, but you can see it will be a comprehensive review of your company and operations. Consumer Benefits Many times, during my training programs with drivers, we often talk about the customer experience. How does the driver affect the customer experience? What does the driver have to do when dealing with the customer to affect their experience when riding with you? I was always able to relate this experience to how would the driver want their mother or father to be treated? Many ideas come into this thought process like: Is the vehicle on time for my doctor's appointment? Is the driver appropriately trained? Does the driver know how to get to my doctor's office? What if the driver forgets to pick me up when I am done? Will the vehicle break down? • Is the vehicle safe? • How will the driver talk to my mother /father? • Will the driver wear identification, so I know who they are? • Is the driver dressed appropriately? • What if I get sick on the ride? We have to remember that the driver is our direct representative to the community. Their actions or non-actions can either help ensure more ridership and increased business or lead to lost business and a bad reputation. I am sure that we have all heard the horror stories of an operation or operator who is terrible and demonstrates poor service to the consumer. The consumer base in NEMT is a community group, and they all talk among themselves. A main topic can be poor transportation, not being on time, or unsafe vehicles. A good topic can foster repeat business and good community relationships. It does not take long for the word to spread!
As a small business owner, people often find themselves wearing many, many hats. In the morning, you’re a dispatcher, in the afternoon, you’re a driver, after hours, you’re an accountant...the list goes on and on. So, when it comes to marketing your NEMT business, you’re probably thinking, “Where will I find the time?” We hear you! Marketing your business can seem like a daunting task, but we have a few tips to help you further your business plan by increasing and widening your name recognition. Website You do not need to be a website developer to create an effective website. As a business owner, however, you should have a website where potential customers can access important information regarding your business and also be able to contact you. Here’s what you need to know: Domain: You’ll need to purchase a domain name. If your business is called “NEMT Express,” you may consider purchasing NEMTExpress.com, NEMTxpress.com, or another variation of your name. If you can’t find your preferred domain name, consider adding “ride” ahead of your name or choosing .net instead of .com. You can search for available domains and purchase a domain on GoDaddy using their Domain Name Search tool.
By Becca Fields-Poniskaitis, Marketing Manger at BiTS, the creators of RoutingBox
Set up your channels: We suggest you set up a Facebook page. You may also consider Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Pinterest, or others, but if your bandwidth is limited, Facebook will be enough to get you started. When you set up your company page on Facebook, it’s important you set up a business page and NOT a personal profile. A business page will give you the option to advertise in many ways, provide you with insights into how your content is performing, and allow you to invite people to “like” the page. For the business’ profile photo, we recommend you use your company’s logo, if you have one. If you don’t have a logo, use a picture of one of your vehicles or your location. For your header image, use a photo of your fleet or your team! Make sure you set up all of your basic contact information and business hours in the “about” section. Create your content: No need to overthink this! The most important thing is to consistently post, so when visitors land on your page, they see that you’re active. Actively posting on your page exemplifies your business is legitimate and can be trusted. Meanwhile, as you’re just getting started, we would suggest trying to post on social media at least once or twice a week. Suggestions on what to consider posting: you might start with sharing a welcome message letting new followers know you appreciate them being engaged with your page, share photos and stories about your drivers and riders, with their permission, let your followers know of any changes in business hours or services offered, and share industry news. Free Tools: Canva: Canva will allow you to create graphics and videos from scratch or templates for your page. Facebook Help Center: The Facebook Help Center helps you navigate setting up a Business Page by starting with Facebook advertising. Facebook Business Suite: This allows you to view all of your insights, advertisements, and (our favorite) schedule your content ahead of time! Your marketing options with social media are endless. The important thing here is just getting the page set up, so that potential riders and their family members can find you and feel at peace knowing they’re using a legitimate transporter. Furthermore, use your Facebook Page to join NEMT and small business groups. These groups allow you to network, buy and sell items for your business, bounce ideas off like-minded business owners, and much more. Outbound Marketing As a NEMT business owner, it is essential you secure contracts to run your business. These contracts will not come to you on their own, so you need to start working on Outbound Marketing. Now that you’ve set up your website and are actively engaged on your social media pages, you have a place to direct potential new contracts. As a result, these potential customers will learn more about you after you’ve made your outbound effort to connect with them. Where should you start looking? We have a few suggestions: Private Pay Customers- While private pay customers aren’t a contract you’re necessarily going after, they are customers whose business you must earn. Your new website and social media pages will be a great way to start marketing to this high-profit margin customer. If you’re looking for ways to earn repeat private pay customers, you may consider offering a loyalty or frequent rider program to encourage repeat trips. Broker Contracts– Working with brokers is the easiest way to get Medicaid customers. It’s important to know which brokers service your area and how to interact with each of them. Below is a quick list of some well-known nationwide and regional NEMT brokers:
Hosting: Once you have your domain, you will need to purchase a host for your site. This is where your website resides on the internet. If you end up purchasing a domain through GoDaddy after using their Domain Name Search tool, you can purchase what is called a WordPress Managed site. With this option, all of your information will be accessible through your GoDaddy account, and you will also have access to the user-friendly website builder within WordPress. Additionally, there are plenty of other website hosting options to also consider such as: Wix, Weebly, Shopify, Drupal, CMS hub, Squarespace, to name a few. Build your Site: No matter which platform you decide to host as your website, the tools available to start building it are incredibly user-friendly. When you start building, you will be asked to pick a theme. Choose a theme that appeals to you – many are free – and go from there! Most themes are drag and drop style builders, and many have options to install additional apps to your site for more functionality. Your site should at least include: Your company name and logo, if you have one. Your location – this doesn’t need to be a complete address, if that’s not useful to your potential customers. You should at least illustrate the city and state your company services, especially if you have a common business name. Your email OR a contact form, even if you don’t want people to book a ride directly from your website. You certainly want them to contact you from your site. Either list your email with your location information or include a contact form. A list of services you provide – ambulatory, stretcher, bariatric stretch, etc. Links to your social media accounts. Your COVID-19 safety procedures – this is especially important in areas where there are still heavy restrictions. Your customers will want to know what, if anything, they need to do to be compliant with your procedures. With the aforementioned information, your website will be ready to help you connect with more potential customers. If potential customers can Google your business and find a way to contact you, your website is serving its purpose. If you have the means to provide more than just basic information on your website, go right ahead! Social Media It is essential to have a social media presence for your NEMT business. Even if your direct customers are not on any social media, chances are their children and/or grandchildren are on social media. Research shows people turn to Facebook to find more information on a company even before they do a Google search. There are also many social media groups for business owners and NEMT operators with whom you can join and connect with in order to collaborate, especially with those in your field.
Marketing Your NEMT ... continued
Since the 1960’s Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) has been a benefit for beneficiaries of Medicaid, our nation’s health insurance program for low-income individuals. While more than 77 million Americans receive healthcare coverage through Medicaid (source), NEMT is only used by individuals with transportation barriers that limit their own access to healthcare (source). Although used by a small number, Medicaid members rely on NEMT for access to medical appointments and treatments. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, signed into law December of 2020, officially codified the regulatory requirement for states to provide Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation. This provision is based off previously introduced House and Senate bills looking to take similar action to protect and guarantee the benefit. Prior to this, NEMT was provided through federal regulations, making it subject to interpretation or challenge at the state level. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 strengthens Medicaid beneficiary access to non-emergency medical transportation benefits. It also recognizes the longstanding regulatory policy that NEMT is an essential benefit to Medicaid beneficiaries who lack access to reliable transportation. According to David White, Coordinated Transportation Solutions, Inc. President and CEO: “Safe, reliable transportation services play a critical role in improving health outcomes. For Medicaid eligible individuals who lack transportation resources, NEMT benefits assure they can attend preventative as well as follow-up appointments, contributing to their own health while reducing the overall cost of care.” Transportation as a critical determinant of health A recent study found that 1/3 of Medicare and Medicaid members face transportation insecurity.These individuals are often under the age of 65, more likely to suffer from chronic conditions and live in low-income households. Lack of transportation is an often cited reason why patients miss or delay vital care. While NEMT is a potential solution, it is often underutilized by beneficiaries and health insurers as a valuable strategy to improve health. In addition, research has shown that addressing transportation and other Social Determinants of Health (SDH) can improve health outcomes and decrease healthcare costs. Research from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation finds that social and environmental factors can influence up to 80% of a patient’s health. Transportation not only impacts accessing healthcare destinations, but also attending social services and community activities. Reliable transportation is integrated into every facet of an individual’s life, providing access to employment, education and social activities, as well as daily needs such as healthy food. For insurers, who have or are transitioning to value-based care, incorporating non-medical transportation benefits can have a positive impact on beneficiaries’ health across the spectrum. Looking to the future of the NEMT benefit, the recent support and codification in statue leaves a door open for health care to better utilize and implement transportation for Medicaid beneficiaries and other vulnerable populations, such as Dual Eligible Individuals, and older adults enrolled in Medicare Advantage.
By Travis Barker, Chief of Business Development, Coordinated Transportation Solutions, Inc.
ModivCare (formerly LogistiCare) EpicMD OneCall MTM Access2Care Secure Transportation National MedTrans Veyo Southeastrans Rural Transit Enterprises Coordinated Inc The Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority Provide-a-Ride Virginia Premiere Medical Providers– Check in with local hospitals, day-hab centers, urgent care, dialysis centers, nursing homes, and more! Many of these providers need a non-emergency means of transportation to get patients discharged or moved from facility to facility. Find the right point of contact and avail yourself and your services! Retirement Communities– While these communities may not need medical transportation in the same way a nursing home would be, there are many of these residents who no longer drive themselves. See if you can contact local retirement communities about providing their residents with a shuttle-type service to some of their most visited destinations or a more on-demand service. Schools– Check in with local schools and daycare centers! Many may have a handful of students with special transportation requirements the school's traditional busses may not be able to accommodate. Offer your services for any students who may need modified transportation during the school year. This effort may garner school district contracts. Workers Compensation–Many people receiving Workers’ Compensation may not know they are eligible for NEMT services. You will need to get in touch with local Workers’ Compensation authorities in your state, specifically so you can begin applying to transport Workers’ Compensation recipients. Using your new website and social media channels, share content that appeals to customers in each of these categories. If you have the time and the budget, consider creating some social media and/or Google ads, which will essentially target each of these categories to ascertain their business. If you still feel that digital advertising is a bit daunting, don't worry! Now that you have a website to direct people toward and a social media presence they can view, you are better equipped to use more classic forms of marketing such as flyers and mailers effectively. Now you can advertise your website and social media on printed materials. This will give your prospective customers the marketing information you want them to have on print material, but you’re also giving them a direct line to more information and a way to contact you directly. Marketing your business can seem like a daunting task, but it is always worth the effort. We’ve offered quite a bit of information here, and we truly hope it’s helpful for your business. There is no substitute for hiring good, safe drivers, operating clean, safe vehicles, and providing excellent customer service. Landing larger contracts with facilities and brokers and retaining your repeat private pay customers relies on the on-time performance you're able to provide. As you focus on the marketing aspect and begin to see growth in your business, consider things such as software solutions, which provide essential tools to improve your company's rider and facility experience.
Respect the System
By Max Gorin, CEO, LifeLine Ambulance and LifeLine Supply
While thinking about how systems approved companies, Chik-Fil-A came to mind. I started thinking about the company more deeply... or maybe I was just hungry. Chik-Fil-A is debatably delicious, relatively healthy, insanely popular, a bit controversial, has seen tremendous growth since 2018, and their customer service is unmatched. However, what makes them the pinnacle of fast-food franchises, and why did I give them a shout-out last week? It’s all about their systems! In sales, Chik-Fil-A ranks 3rd only behind the behemoths is the third McDonald’s and Starbucks, first and second respectively, bringing in 11.3 billion in 2019. Like every other large-scale corporation, Chik-Fil-A's operating systems allow them to run 2605 restaurants across the US (with 2 in Canada, 1 in South Africa, 1 in England, and more to come). No matter if a business has one location or 50, a handful of employees, or 25,000, having systems in place ensure growth and success. Furthermore, Chik-Fil-A’s systems allowed them to step in to help get vaccines administered to their community. You have to respect that. What Is A System? A system is a series of documented and repeatable processes that dictate how each part of a company operates. In short, business systems start with documented procedures and processes that allow them to self- automate. Well-thought-out business systems require little thought and minimal effort to maintain after implementation. Chik-Fil-A is a prime illustration of using an operation manual as the collective “know-how” of the business, a multi-billion-dollar business essentially run by teenagers, many of whom cannot even drive yet. This is not to say that every business, like LifeLine Ambulance or your NEMT company, could be run by teenagers. But I have implemented systems at my company that promotes financial and individual growth while allowing my leadership team to operate effectively when I need to spend time on other projects or with my family. WHY DON’T NEW BUSINESSES USE SYSTEMS? Many business owners don’t focus on developing systems. Unlike the other aspects of business, like marketing or showcasing the latest tech, sound business systems are considered boring. Additionally, there is usually not much urgency in implementing operating procedures because when most businesses start, there is always something more important: payroll, maintenance, marketing, etc. Just keep in mind, no matter how boring or trivial building systems seem, they give you and your company incredible power.
3 REASONS FOR SYSTEMS While there are many reasons to implement systems into your business, these are 3 of the most important. Builds Value Developing actionable systems allows your company to run without you, allowing for increased opportunity to sell your business for a profit, which is the ultimate goal of many entrepreneurs. Scalability If you can replicate your business model in other geographical areas, it gives you the ability to expand through franchising or licensing, i.e., Chik-Fil-A. Again, if you can reproduce it enough times, you could find yourself with the financial means to retire early or start a passion business project. Crisis Management Having systems in place prepares you and your leadership team to operate calmly during stressful times. Crisis management is the key to financial stability and team morale when disasters strike. If your team is aware of the when’s, what’s, how’s, and why’s, they can prioritize problem resolution processes until things return to normal. SYSTEM PRIORITIES for NEMT Companies Setting up effective systems for any aspect of your business is effortless with the right tools and team. There are three on my shortlist that you should start developing immediately. Accounting Systems You can implement an accounting system by hiring one for your team or outsourcing a company. An accounting system is the backbone of all companies, especially in the Emergency Medical Service field. Without a fantastic accounting department, Lifeline's complex billing, invoice tracking, and extensive payroll calculations would not be possible. Customer Service Systems Keeping customers happy and safe is the lifeblood of any business. It covers everything from staff interactions with customers and following up after a sale to maintaining B2B relationships. Customer service is a system that should extend and be demonstrated throughout an entire company so that everyone knows the expectations. HR Systems Your team is your biggest asset. Getting your HR processes in place allows you to design a system for on boarding, training, and ultimately keeping your talented staff happy, gainfully employed, and committed to your company. HR also keeps your bottom line in the black, saving companies on average 22% in employee cost. In conclusion, a wide range of processes could benefit from systemization, but the method of putting them into action is the same. Look closely at the procedures that need to be completed, document tasks from start to finish, and finally revise them until anyone can repeat the same process. Setting up a procedural infrastructure to automate your business operations sounds daunting but developing it sooner rather than later will save time, hassle, and money as your business grows.
Respect the System ... continued
Re-imagining EMS & NEMT ... continued
5. Health & Safety Still Vital Health and safety precautions remain paramount for the transportation industry -including wearing masks and following proper cleaning procedures as transports occur. The new opportunities to provide service to and from clinics has resulted in a welcomed increase in work available for NEMT providers. As more of the country receives vaccines, focus will shift to transitioning to more routine services (although that may not happen for another year or two). The caution in setting a timeline comes as the cases are beginning to rise again in various parts of the country. 6. Mental Health Care Another important topic on the KHN site examines mental health and the serious increase in overdose deaths. There are many discussions happening now concerning the repercussions of young people remaining at home and isolated from their peers for so long. This is unfortunately one of the next big issues to manage once the immediate threats from COVID diminish. While engaging face to face versus online, may improve mental health, it does not lesson the irreparable harm already done to our mentally vulnerable youth. There are opportunities for NEMT to help with this dire situation by providing access to transportation services to help young people manage their mental health needs. Simply being able to take transportation away from home will become a treat, whether it is to a recreational, behavioral, or medical event. NEMT operators may begin to look at ways to interact with those who have been home-bound to encourage engagement from a new perspective. A potential increase in service may come from relaxation in NEMT requirements for young people to engage in more regular social interaction. 7. Keep Reading for Emerging Opportunities Sharing is caring, and podcast participants are inadvertently creating opportunities by providing recommendations for additional reading on health policy. While not all sources have a direct implication to the NEMT industry, they are informative for all those in the health care realm. Some of these articles include titles like “5 Pandemic Mistakes We Keep Repeating”, “Path to Normality: 2021 Outlook of COVID-19 in the US”, and an article that deals with accessibility issues; “COVID Vaccine Websites Violate Disability Laws, Create Inequity for the Blind.” The more we read about (or listen to) issues and policy in health care, the more we can find emerging opportunities for the NEMT industry. While the last year has been very difficult for transportation, reviewing what is happening in the healthcare arena can predict what may happen for NEMT. All we can do is look, listen, and be open to the possibilities.
By Kris Lyon, Senior Manager, Business Development–NEMT, TripSpark Technologies
Many of us in the medical transportation industry scour the internet looking for information about changes to Medicaid that may impact NEMT services. This week, I found myself intrigued by a podcast on the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) website entitled “KHN’s- What the Health?” Each week, Kaiser Health News provides a synopsis of what's happening with health policy in Washington DC, and it's always an informative read. Recently, industry blogs and articles have focused on the boost to coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). There's also the never ending, newsworthy COVID saga, as well as discoveries about behavioral health, isolation, and inequities faced by many this past year- just living through the pandemic. Information to Opportunities There's always a lot to read and absorb, but the big question is how do we take all this health information and determine what will or will not affect NEMT services? The findings can have a profound impact on NEMT providers, brokers, and payors alike. Let's look at 7 emerging opportunities for our industry that are happening now: 1. Help for the ACA There are some amazing recent impacts to the ACA. For the first time since its inception in 2010, the Affordable Care Act is slated for large benefits expansion, with the federal government’s decision to take on a 5% increase in Medicaid expensesin those states that did not previously participate in the expansion program. This will qualify significantly more low-income individuals and families for Medicaid. This is great news for the NEMT industry. With the anticipated increase in NEMT trips happening under Medicaid, substantial business will flow to NEMT brokers and providers. 2. Focus on Moms and Infants Another area of focus for healthcare policy makers is the rise in the maternal death rate. It's proven that providing NEMT for pregnant women and new mothers, significantly increases the likelihood of better maternal and infant health. 3. Eligibility for Medicaid Determining who is and who is not eligible for Medicaid is an ongoing issue, impacting millions across the US. Conflict between the income tax system and a lack of experts to help people navigate the system, results in many going without the care that they are rightfully entitled to. Advocacy for resolution to this ongoing issue will have a profoundly positive impact on those eligible for Medicaid and subsequently, eligibility for NEMT services. 4. NEMT for COVID Vaccines COVID was the theme of 2020 and (frustratingly) the ongoing topic of conversation this year as well. On the positive side, with the uptick in vaccines availability in the last few weeks, NEMT providers are finding themselves taking on the role of chauffeur for various vaccine clinics for a large share of the population who are older and unable to easily get to and from vaccine clinics.
More than 40 percent of U.S. adults have delayed or avoided medical care due to COVID-19, particularly people with underlying medical conditions and people with disabilities. Non- Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) provides a critical service for vulnerable populations and under-served communities including seniors, low-income communities, and those with mobility issues. Over the last year, Veyo has been working with policymakers at the state and local levels to promote vaccine access and develop solutions for transporting COVID positive patients safely to critical care. Recently, Veyo collaborated with AHCCCS, Arizona’s state Medicaid agency, and its contracted managed care organizations, to provide access to drive through COVID-19 vaccinations as a covered benefit. Arizona’s Medicaid program is the first in the country to adjust NEMT rates to account for wait times at drive-through vaccination sites. In just twenty days, Veyo has transported over 1,000 members to COVID-19 vaccinations, with 20% of those trips occurring at drive- through vaccination sites. “This program is a huge step forward in our efforts to increase patient access and can serve as a national model for covering vital transportation benefits,” said Josh Komenda, President and CEO of Veyo. “Drive-through vaccination centers offer a convenient, safe way for people to receive their COVID-19 vaccine, but they present unique challenges for both patients and transportation benefits administrators. AHCCCS made swift, practical adjustments that will ultimately help more eligible Medicaid members–many of whom have no other form of transportation– safely access the care they need.” Veyo’s collaboration with AHCCCS, which serves approximately 30 percent of Arizonans, began in April 2020. With the projected surge coming for vaccinations in January, Veyo worked with the agency to discuss considerations such as reimbursement, wait time regulations and driver capacity. “AHCCCS is working to ensure that Medicaid beneficiaries have equal access to COVID-19 vaccinations, and that we are eliminating any potential barriers to care,” said Jami Snyder, AHCCCS director. “NEMT provides critical health transportation for under-served populations including seniors, low-income communities, and those with mobility issues. We appreciate the collaborative discussions with health plans and providers around how we can ensure the health and safety of our most vulnerable communities.” “Throughout the pandemic, Veyo, AHCCCS, and its contracted managed careorganizations, have worked together to ensure that our members are able to access theirtransportation benefit,” said Tad Gary, COO of Mercy Care, a not-for-profit Medicaid managed-care health plan that serves over 400,000 members. “We look forward to continuing this shared effort to increase equity in vaccine distribution.”
Only a month into my term as the new president of The Transportation Alliance, we announced an initiative to refocus three longstanding committees, while also creating a fourth to help inspire future transportation leaders of tomorrow. Three months later, and that call to arms has been heeded by the new committee heads. All four groups–On-Demand and Taxi, Luxury and Charter, NEMT and Paratransit, and the new Young Transportation Professionals committees–have each met at least twice and formed action plans that they hope to present to our membership in committee summits currently planned online via Zoom in May. Two of these groups are already working together. Alan Groedel, President of Provide A Ride in Cleveland, Ohio, who is head of the NEMT and Paratransit committee, has joined forces with the On-Demand and Taxi committee to work together in a combined subcommittee looking specifically into technology. Groedel’s team has created a survey that has already been tested by members of his group, looking for specific answers about what technology members are using in their operations. Jeb Corey, president of C&H Taxi in Charleston, West Virginia, who heads the On-Demand and Taxi committee, is one of the tech gurus of TTA but he readily admits he doesn’t know everything out there. He hopes this survey introduces some new methods that members can use to their benefit. “We hope we can use this quick survey to get feedback and use it as a resource guide, so we can all get greater value from that,” Corey said. Groedel has another primary focus that he knows will eventually lead to another crossover, and that’s finding and retaining quality drivers. “We’re basically just working to educate and support members to maintain a strong workforce,” Groedel said. “These are incredibly difficult times for hiring and maintaining drivers. That committee hasn’t started yet, but once we get going, it will definitely crossover with other groups.” Groedel is hoping to piece together a listing of tools, or best practices, that different companies use to attract and retain their workforce–be it employee or independent contractor drivers. He also has another goal of maximizing the relationship between TTA and the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Accreditation Commission (NEMTAC). “It’s a new relationship being carefully shepherded at the highest level of the organization,” Groedel said. “NEMTAC is the Accredited Standards Developer to the NEMT industry and our committee is looking forward to collaborating and moving the relationship forward.” The other committees are also providing invaluable work. Sam Amato, the president of Gateway Global in San Francisco and Los Angeles, heads the Luxury and Charter committee, representing a segment of the industry that has suffered the most during the pandemic. He attended a private webinar on the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERC) and understood how that could help TTA members. He contacted the webinar’s host, David Worrell, seeing if he could hold a webinar for TTA members. Worrell did just that on Feb. 25, with close to 40 members attending. The newest committee has begun with a real bang, as co-chairs Corey and Sean McBride of Metro Transportation Planning & Solutions Group in Denver, Colorado, has the Young Transportation Professionals group flying out of the gate. “The value that TTA really gives, in my opinion, it’s amazing,” McBride said. “Having the opportunity to get perspectives from all over the United States on how people are operating,it’s something special.” Both McBride and Corey pointed to the presence of Will van der Linde of Old Dominion Transportation in Charlottesville, Virginia, as a key component to the committee. Van der Linde had two big scores recently–the first, working with his area Board of Aging and local health district to transport Medicaid and Medicare recipients to get vaccinated through their Managed Care Organizations (MCOs); and second, making deals with different groups to provide direct, non-brokered transport "so they can schedule directly through us.” “Will really hits that sweet spot for the group,” Corey said, “because he is a younger member but he has been involved for several years now, so he adds a ton of experience and always seems to be on the leading edge of things. He is always someone I am excited to hear from.” A handful of other TTA operators–like Black & White Transportation out of Toledo, Ohio; Groedel’s Provide A Ride out of Cleveland; Grove Transit in Hattiesburg, Mississippi; C.R.T. Cabulance in Pittsfield, Massachusetts; Medi Trans in New Iberia, Louisiana; and Diamond Transportation Services in Alexandria, Virginia–are all transporting citizens to get vaccinated. Groedel is expecting the work to last through at least the summer, and feels it could go a long way toward erasing many of the financial losses his company suffered during the pandemic. On behalf of TTA, I encourage all operators to seek out such contracts and partnerships to deliver people to vaccination sites. The amount of trips that are possible throughout the course of this year could prove to be a staggering number— and a real boost to an operation’s bottom line—while getting our country back to some sense of normalcy.
By Nick Cambas, President, The Transportation Alliance
Arizona Increases Access to Drive-Through Vaccinations
The Transportation Alliance Looks at Tech Improvements
By Josh Komendam, President/CEO, Veyo
Back in 2013, the average annual income of an NEMT business owner was about $46,000. Today the numbers are higher due to the increasing demand for non-emergency medical transportation services among individual patients, state needs, and overall development of the business insides. For example, affordable NEMT software solutions have increased the operational capability of companies, therefore increasing their overall income. More efficient and professional vehicles, better-trained personnel, and tools to help streamline operations have also helped the companies operate better and achieve greater profits. But first things first: let’s take a look at the cost of NEMT services and generalized information about income in different parts of the country. Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Rates and Income The rates that providers are paid for the trips they perform vary depending on region, state, day of the week, and time of day a patient is requesting transportation. Rates generally begin around $25 per ride and go up to $250 per hour excluding additional fees and charges that might apply (such as waiting time for $15-$30 per half an hour or additional mileage for $2-$10 per mile depending on the passenger’s mobility, the type of vehicle needed, and additional special needs that may apply, like supplying oxygen on board or an attendant to watch over a passenger or passengers). Off-hours and weekend services generally cost about 25% more while holiday service is up to 45% more expensive than the average rate. Based on these pricing ranges and average operational costs, the average NEMT vehicle running full time without efficient NEMT management software can generate about $800 a week in gross revenue, generating a little over $40,000 per year. However, with a non-emergency medical transportation software solution in place to help manage trips, route them efficiently, collect all compliance and billing data, and keep track of incoming payments, business efficiency raises by about 20%-40% depending on the software type, so one vehicle can generate gross revenues around $50,000-$60,000 per year. Required and Recommended Qualifications The barriers to entry for potential NEMT operators are fairly low, but do differ state by state. Some individual brokers/payers may have their own requirements that may be more stringent than others. A valid driver’s license and qualifying insurance are always required. Other needs may be enhanced insurance policies, HIPAA certification, background checks, drug testing, vehicle safety inspections, CPR training, first aid certification, wheelchair training, or NEMTAC accreditation. So, why do all these qualifications and licenses matter? The biggest reason is because they set you apart from your competitors and ensure that you are a safe and responsible transportation provider. If you can demonstrate more knowledge to brokers, other payers, and passengers, you’ll be able to attract and keep more clients. The right technology can also create a great advantage, since you can integrate your business with broker requests for better communication and, in turn, better results. Some solutions also offer portals that give payers, passengers, and/or facilities the ability to see their trips and when your driver will arrive, resulting in more satisfaction and fewer unnecessary “where is my ride” phone calls.
Regional Differences It’s important to note that NEMT profits vary across the country. The eastern portion of the U.S earns more than the western, for instance. For example, vehicles for companies in Nevada and California can generate between $30,000 and $50,000 per vehicle annually while vehicles in Maine or New York might generate between $40,000 to $56,000 each year. Additional Factors Time in business. The longer an NEMT company is in business, the more profitable they become. As regular clients spread the word of their satisfaction with your business, it becomes easier to get more new clients. Insurance rates will also tend to fall as you establish yourself as a responsible business with the right practices in place to reduce risk, and thus have fewer claims. Additional tools. As mentioned before, expertise in various types of non-emergency medical transportation scheduling software can also benefit your company. The more knowledge of the technological business side you have, the easier it will be for you to set up relationships with your potential partners. Overhead costs. Insurance, payroll, vehicle maintenance, fuel, building, utility, and software costs will impact each provider differently. Generally, as a fleet adds more vehicles, its overall overhead per vehicle drops, allowing the business to become more and more profitable as it grows. NEMT is a Profitable Business To sum it up, non-emergency medical transportation income varies between about $30,000 and $56,000 a year for each vehicle on the road. The actual income of your particular NEMT company will mostly depend on your location, the number of vehicles you operate and your operational efficiency. Also be sure to pay attention to the qualifications your business and its employees have, as well as the dispatching software for NEMT you select while setting up the business. Revenue data for this article was tabulated from transportation providers using iSi Technology’s RouteGenie NEMT software platform that agreed to participate in this study.
By Olga Rudkovska, Content Specialist, iSi Technology
How Much do NEMT Companies Make?
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