Transportation Assistance Services in Mississippi help individuals with disabilities, chronic health conditions, or mobility limitations access essential services and community activities. These services are offered under Mississippi’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers and other transportation assistance programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT)

Role: Oversees public and specialized transportation programs, including non-emergency medical transportation

Agency: Mississippi Division of Medicaid (DOM)

Role: Administers Medicaid and HCBS Waiver programs, including funding for non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT)

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures waiver compliance

2. TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE SERVICE OVERVIEW

Transportation Assistance Services focus on ensuring safe and reliable transport for individuals who require assistance to reach medical appointments, therapy sessions, community activities, or employment. Services are tailored according to the Individual Transportation Plan (ITP) or Person-Centered Plan (PCP) and may include:

• Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to healthcare facilities
• Community mobility services for social, recreational, or employment purposes
• Accessible vehicle services for wheelchair users
• Driver assistance and escort services when needed
• Scheduling and route planning support

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register business with the Mississippi Secretary of State
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
• Enroll as a Medicaid transportation provider with the Mississippi Division of Medicaid
• Obtain a Passenger Transportation License from the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT)
• Maintain vehicle insurance and driver qualification records

4. MEDICAID PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Pre-Application Contact

• Contact the Mississippi Division of Medicaid for transportation provider requirements

Step 2: Application Submission

• Submit business registration, transportation license, liability insurance, and service descriptions

Step 3: License Verification

• Ensure that the Passenger Transportation License is current and compliant

Step 4: Approval and Medicaid Number Assignment

• Once approved, receive a Medicaid provider number and authorization to deliver services

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business Name Registration
• IRS EIN Letter
• NPI confirmation
• Passenger Transportation License
• Vehicle insurance certificate

Policy & procedure manual including:

• Driver training and safety protocols
• Vehicle maintenance and safety inspections
• Client intake forms and transportation needs assessments
• Scheduling and route planning procedures
• Incident reporting and emergency protocols

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Transportation Program Manager

Requirements: Experience in transportation management or logistics

Role: Driver / Transportation Aide

Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license with passenger endorsement
• CPR/First Aid certification
• Background check and TB clearance

Training Requirements:

• Defensive driving and passenger safety
• ADA compliance and mobility assistance
• Emergency response and first aid
• Documentation and route planning

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Transportation Assistance Services in Mississippi are available through:

• 1915(c) HCBS Waiver for the Elderly and Disabled
• Independent Living Waiver
• Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) Program

Approved providers may deliver:

• Transportation to medical appointments and therapy sessions
• Accessible community mobility for social or employment purposes
• Escort assistance when needed

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: Medicaid Provider Enrollment

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Staff Hiring and Training

Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase: Vehicle Inspection and Licensing

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Mississippi Division of Medicaid (DOM)

Website: https://medicaid.ms.gov

Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT)

Website: https://mdot.ms.gov

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10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business registration and licensing assistance
• Medicaid provider enrollment
• Policy & procedure manual for transportation assistance operations
• Templates for trip logs, driver checklists, and safety protocols
• Website, domain, and email setup
• Staff credentialing and training documentation
• Client intake packet and transportation need assessments
• Vehicle maintenance schedules and inspection logs
• Risk management and incident reporting systems
• Referral networking with healthcare providers and community organizations