Adult Health Transportation Services in Arizona

Become an Adult Health Transportation Services Provider in Arizona

TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE SERVICES PROVIDER IN ARIZONA HELPING INDIVIDUALS ACCESS ESSENTIAL SERVICES SAFELY AND RELIABLY THROUGH NON-EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION SUPPORT

Transportation Assistance Services in Arizona ensure that individuals receiving long-term care through Medicaid have access to healthcare appointments, community programs, and essential daily activities. These services are offered under the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers. Services can be provided through the individual's Managed Care Organization (MCO) or under the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) for qualified members.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)

Oversees Medicaid Transportation benefits, including Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)

Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) - Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)

Authorizes vendors for transportation of individuals with developmental disabilities

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

See federal standards for transportation services under Medicaid HCBS

2. TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE SERVICE OVERVIEW

Transportation services provide non-emergency, door-to-door travel support for individuals who need help accessing medical appointments, waiver services, employment programs, and other approved activities. Transportation is essential for promoting independence, community integration, and continuity of care.

Approved providers may deliver:

One-way or round-trip transportation to and from Medicaid-approved services
Ambulatory or wheelchair-accessible rides
Group or individual transport depending on need
Vehicle safety inspections and documentation
Trip logs, pick-up/drop-off verification, and mileage tracking
Coordination with case managers and scheduling teams
Licensing & Provider Approval Requirements

3. PREREQUISITES

Register your business with the Arizona Corporation Commission
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Apply through the Qualified Vendor Application and Directory System (QVADS) (if serving DDD members)
Apply to become a transportation provider with MCOs (e.g., Mercy Care, Banner, UnitedHealthcare)
Obtain and maintain commercial vehicle insurance and auto liability coverage
Register all vehicles and ensure ADA accessibility as required
Conduct background checks and driver's license verification for all drivers

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Option 1: Serving DDD Members (QVADS)

Step 1: Attend DDD Qualified Vendor orientation
Step 2: Submit QVADS application with vehicle logs, driver policies, and service routes
Step 3: Upon approval, receive referrals from support coordinators

Option 2: Serving ALTCS Members via MCOs

Step 1: Contact MCO provider relations for application instructions
Step 2: Submit business license, vehicle and insurance documentation, driver rosters
Step 3: Complete credentialing, then begin receiving trip authorizations

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License
IRS EIN Letter
NPI confirmation
Vehicle registration and insurance documentation
Policy & procedure manual including: Vehicle maintenance and daily inspection logs
Driver training and background verification
Trip authorization and route scheduling
Pick-up/drop-off verification processes
Passenger safety protocols
Emergency and incident reporting procedures
HIPAA, client rights, and communication policies
Billing and mileage tracking tools

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Transportation Coordinator / Scheduler Requirements: Experience managing transportation logistics and Medicaid appointments

Role: Driver Requirements

Valid Arizona driver's license
CPR/First Aid certification
Article 9 training (for DDD trips)
Background check and motor vehicle record (MVR) clearance
Defensive driving and passenger assistance training
Training Requirements for All Staff
Passenger safety and emergency response
Client confidentiality and professionalism
ADA compliance and mobility device handling
Documentation and billing procedures

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Transportation Assistance Services are authorized under
ALTCS – Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) Waiver
ALTCS – Elderly and Physically Disabled (EPD) Waiver
Children's Rehabilitative Services (CRS)
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) under AHCCCS health plans

Approved providers may deliver:

Medicaid-authorized rides to service appointments
Community access transportation for approved activities
Group transport to day programs or employment supports
Service documentation and trip verification logs

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase Business Formation Timeline: 1–2 weeks
Phase Vehicle Licensing and Insurance Setup Timeline: 2–3 weeks
Phase QVADS or MCO Application and Credentialing Timeline: 45–90 days
Phase AHCCCS Billing Enrollment (if applicable) Timeline: 30–60 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) – Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) Email: DDDProviderRegistration@azdes.gov Phone: (602) 542-6874 Website: https://des.az.gov/services/disabilities/developmental-disabilities

Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) Email: ProviderRegistration@azahcccs.gov Website: https://www.azahcccs.gov

Qualified Vendor Application Portal (QVADS): https://vendorhub.azdes.gov

Mercy Care MCO Transportation Info: https://www.mercycareaz.org

10. SCOPE OF WORK

Business registration (LLC, EIN, NPI)

QVADS and/or MCO transportation application guidance

Policy & procedure manual for transportation services

Templates for vehicle inspection logs, trip sheets, and pick-up logs

AHCCCS billing setup (if applicable)

Website, domain, and email setup

Staff credentialing trackers and supervision logs

Client intake packet, consent forms, and behavior plans

Incident reporting systems and audit preparation tools

Referral networking with MCOs, day programs, and support coordinators

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — ARIZONA TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE PROVIDER

We help new transportation providers launch Medicaid-compliant services to support community mobility and health access across Arizona.

To get started, click the link to request portal access.

Our Client Portal offers a wealth of resources that you can explore related to various programs and state requirements.

Related Articles