Transportation Assistance Services in Minnesota provide accessible and dependable transport solutions for individuals with disabilities, chronic health conditions, or mobility challenges. These services support access to healthcare, social activities, and community engagement. Transportation Assistance Services are available under Minnesota’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS)

Role: Administers Medicaid programs, including non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) and community mobility services

Agency: Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)

Role: Regulates public and specialized transportation services

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 helping individuals access essential services safely and efficiently. Services are customized according to the Individual Service Plan (ISP) or Person-Centered Plan (PCP) and may include:

• Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to healthcare facilities
• Community mobility services for social and recreational activities
• Accessible vehicle services for wheelchair users
• Driver assistance and escort support
• Scheduling, route planning, and trip coordination

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register business with the Minnesota Secretary of State
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
• Enroll as a Medicaid provider with the Minnesota Department of Human Services
• Obtain a Passenger Transportation License from MnDOT
• Maintain vehicle insurance and driver credentialing

4. MEDICAID PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Pre-Application Contact

• Contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services to understand transportation assistance 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 inspection schedules
• Client intake and transportation needs assessments
• Scheduling and route planning procedures
• Incident reporting and emergency response protocols

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Transportation Program Manager

Requirements: Experience in transportation logistics or community mobility planning

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 vehicle safety
• Client mobility assistance and ADA compliance
• Emergency procedures and first aid
• Documentation and client interaction

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Transportation Assistance Services in Minnesota are available through:

• 1915(c) HCBS Waiver for the Elderly and Disabled
• Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) Waiver
• Brain Injury (BI) Waiver

Approved providers may deliver:

• Safe and reliable transport to medical and therapy appointments
• Accessible community mobility for social and recreational activities
• 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 Compliance Setup

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS)

Website: https://mn.gov/dhs

Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)

Website: https://www.dot.state.mn.us

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10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business registration and licensing assistance
• Medicaid provider enrollment
• Policy & procedure manual for transportation 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 safety logs
• Referral networking with healthcare providers and community organizations

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

We support agencies and entrepreneurs in launching compliant Transportation Assistance Services across Minnesota under the HCBS Waiver models.

To get started, click the link to request portal access