1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: MassHealth (Massachusetts Medicaid)
Role: Funds and authorizes transportation services for eligible Medicaid members

Agency: Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS)
Role: Oversees Medicaid transportation operations and waiver compliance

Agency: Human Service Transportation (HST) Office
Role: Contracts with regional brokers to coordinate and schedule NEMT services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Provides oversight for transportation services funded through 1915(c) waivers

Agency: Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU)
Role: Regulates commercial and livery vehicles, including licensing and safety standards

2. TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE SERVICE OVERVIEW

Transportation services help individuals who are unable to drive or access public transit get to:

• Medical, dental, or mental health appointments
• Adult day health programs
• Community-based day support and employment
• Waiver-authorized habilitation or therapy
• Housing or benefits-related appointments
• Pharmacy or medical supply pickups (if approved)

Services can include:

• Ambulatory rides
• Wheelchair-accessible transportation
• Door-to-door and curb-to-curb options
• Escort assistance (if authorized)

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register your business with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth
• Obtain an IRS EIN and Type 2 NPI
• Obtain DPU operating authority for livery or paratransit services
• Acquire commercial auto liability insurance and workers’ compensation
• Maintain clean driving records for all drivers
• Pass vehicle safety inspections (per DPU and HST standards)
• Create HIPAA-compliant trip logs and documentation

If providing Medicaid NEMT services:
 

• You must work under contract with an HST Broker or receive direct referrals under waiver programs.

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Option A: HST Broker Network Participation (NEMT)

• Register through MassHealth Provider Online Service Center
• Apply with your regional HST Broker (e.g., MART or GATRA)
• Submit vehicle, insurance, and driver documentation
• Complete orientation and secure service authorization referrals

Option B: Waiver Transportation Provider (MFP, DDS, ABI)

• Apply to be a waiver provider through DDS or MRC
• Provide transportation descriptions aligned with ISP/POC goals
• Get approved to bill under authorized transportation codes
• Maintain logs for trip validation and audit readiness

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or sole proprietor filing
• IRS EIN and NPI confirmation
• Commercial vehicle insurance and DPU certification

Transportation Services Policy & Procedure Manual, including:

• Daily trip logs and rider rosters
• Vehicle safety inspection checklists
• Incident reporting and emergency protocols
• Consent forms and rider rights documentation
• Billing records and schedule logs
• Staff onboarding forms (driver background checks, licenses, training records)

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Driver / Transportation Specialist
Requirements:

• Valid Massachusetts driver’s license
• Clean driving record (CORI and RMV check)
• CPR/First Aid certification
• Defensive driving and passenger assistance training
• DPU operating authority (company-wide)

Role: Transportation Manager / Dispatcher (for agencies)
Requirements:

• Coordination of schedules, staff, and vehicle maintenance
• Experience in NEMT or paratransit logistics

Mandatory Trainings:

• HIPAA and confidentiality
• Passenger safety and lift operations
• Abuse, neglect, and emergency response
• Cultural competency and disability awareness

7. MASSHEALTH & WAIVER PROGRAMS COVERING TRANSPORTATION

Transportation services are billable under:

• MassHealth Standard and CommonHealth NEMT
• ABI Waiver (Acquired Brain Injury)
• MFP Waivers (Community Living and Residential Supports)
• DDS Adult Waivers
• Community Living Waiver (for seniors and individuals with physical disabilities)

Services must be coordinated with:

• HST Brokers (e.g., MART, GATRA) for standard NEMT
• Waiver support coordinators or transition teams for ISP-based rides
• Case managers and program providers for billing and service alignment

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Registration and Licensing
Timeline: 1 month

Phase: DPU Certification and Insurance Setup
Timeline: 2–3 weeks

Phase: Medicaid/HST Broker Enrollment or Waiver Program Application
Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Staff Training and Service Readiness
Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: Start of Operations (based on referrals or contracts)
Timeline: Ongoing

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

MassHealth Provider Enrollment Portal
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/masshealth

​HST Office – Human Service Transportation
https://www.mass.gov/human-service-transportation

​Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-public-utilities

​Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (MART)
https://www.mrta.us

​Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA)
https://www.gatra.org

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10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business and DPU licensing guidance
• NEMT/HST broker applications and compliance setup
• Waiver transportation provider enrollment
• Vehicle safety checklists and inspection templates
• Driver onboarding and training materials
• Trip log and billing documentation systems
• Audit readiness and Medicaid billing workflows