SUPPORTING ACCESS TO CARE AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT THROUGH SAFE AND RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION

Transportation Services in Nebraska provide essential mobility support for individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or age-related conditions. These services enable participants to access healthcare, community activities, and daily necessities, fostering independence and community inclusion. Transportation Services are authorized under Nebraska Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Role: Administers Medicaid waiver funding for Transportation Services and manages provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement.

Agency: Nebraska Medicaid and Long-Term Care (MLTC) Division
Role: Ensures quality standards, service delivery, and compliance for Transportation Services under HCBS waiver programs.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Provides federal oversight ensuring Medicaid-funded Transportation Services meet HCBS quality, person-centered planning, and participant protection standards.

2. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES OVERVIEW

Transportation Services support individuals by providing safe, reliable transport to essential destinations, promoting independence and community access.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT): Rides to medical appointments, therapy sessions, and pharmacy visits
• Community Access Transportation: Rides to community activities, social events, and support groups
• Essential Errands: Transport for grocery shopping, banking, and personal needs
• Employment Transportation: Assistance with commuting to work or vocational training
• Specialized Transport: Vehicles equipped for wheelchair access and mobility support
• Accompaniment Services: Staff assistance during travel for safety and support

All transportation services are provided based on the Individualized Service Plan (ISP) to meet the participant’s specific mobility and access needs.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register the business entity with the Nebraska Secretary of State.
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).
• Enroll as a Medicaid Waiver Transportation provider via the Nebraska Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal.
• Obtain necessary vehicle permits and driver certifications through the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
• Maintain general liability, vehicle insurance, and professional liability insurance
• Develop policies for vehicle safety, driver training, and client safety during transport
• Ensure drivers complete background checks, health screenings, and specialized transportation training

4. NEBRASKA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Complete the Provider Enrollment Application through the Nebraska Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal for Transportation Services under HCBS waivers

Application and Documentation Submission:

• Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, insurance certificates, vehicle registration, and driver qualifications

Program Readiness Review:

• DHHS evaluates provider readiness, including vehicle safety protocols, driver certifications, and transportation policies

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

• Upon successful review, providers receive authorization to bill Medicaid for Transportation Services using designated billing codes

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business License (Nebraska Secretary of State)
• IRS EIN confirmation
• NPI confirmation
• Vehicle Registration and Driver Certifications (Nebraska DMV)
• Proof of general, vehicle, and professional liability insurance

Transportation Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:

• Client intake, scheduling, and ride coordination procedures
• Vehicle maintenance, safety checks, and accessibility protocols
• Driver training, credentialing, and background checks
• Incident reporting and emergency response procedures
• HIPAA compliance, client rights, and grievance handling
• Billing, mileage tracking, and audit readiness procedures
• Infection control and vehicle sanitation practices

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Transportation Program Director
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, logistics, or a related field, experience in transportation services preferred.

Role: Drivers/Transportation Assistants
Requirements: Valid Nebraska driver’s license, Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) if applicable, CPR/First Aid certification, background clearance.

Role: Dispatch Coordinators
Requirements: Experience in scheduling and coordinating transportation services, training in customer service and safety protocols.

All staff must complete:

• Driver safety training and vehicle operation protocols
• HIPAA and passenger rights education
• First aid, CPR, and passenger assistance training
• Annual vehicle safety inspections and competency evaluations

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Transportation Services are available under the following Nebraska Medicaid Waivers:

• Aged and Disabled (AD) Waiver
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver
• Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver
• Children with Disabilities Waiver
• Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver

Services may include:

• Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)
• Community access and social event transportation
• Employment and vocational training transportation
• Essential errands and grocery shopping transport
• Wheelchair-accessible and specialized vehicle transport

8. SCOPE OF WORK 

Phase: Business Formation and Compliance Preparation
Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Staff Hiring, Credentialing, and Program Development
Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: Nebraska Medicaid Provider Enrollment and Readiness Review
Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Medicaid Billing Setup and Transportation Service Launch
Timeline: 30–45 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Website: https://dhhs.ne.gov/

Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Website: https://dmv.nebraska.gov/

Nebraska Medicaid and Long-Term Care (MLTC) Division
Website: https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Medicaid.aspx

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Website: https://www.cms.gov/

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10. SCOPE OF WORK 

• Business registration, Medicaid enrollment, and licensing support
• Policy manual development for safe transportation and passenger care
• Staff credentialing, training program templates, and documentation guidance
• Medicaid billing setup and audit-prepared financial management
• Branding, website development, and outreach strategies
• Quality assurance systems for vehicle safety and driver compliance
• Community networking for client referrals and partnership opportunities

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — NEBRASKA TRANSPORTATION SERVICES PROVIDER

We support agencies in launching Medicaid-compliant Transportation Services in Nebraska.

To get started, click the link to request portal access