Finally, it’s time to find and utilize that care-tech to make your lives stress-free and easier — for optimizing operations and improving patient care in your Arkansas NEMT business.
Settle up on that NEMT Software: Technology is created to support you, so lean into that! From streamlining your operations and enhancing patient care. Explore NEMT software solutions (like ours) that automate the hard and monotonous work from scheduling, dispatching and route optimization. And use that GPS tracking for real-time vehicle location and efficient communication with patients. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a new NEMTpreneur, Bambi supports in sustaining your business with our user-friendly software. We’re here to help!
And most of all, way to go! You've completed the comprehensive Arkansas series, thoroughly researched and written up by our dedicated editorial team at Bambi. Be sure as you enter the Arkansas NEMT market, do so with agility and grace — that’s that graceful Bambi style afterall.
One last thing, always remember: Bambi knows best! Our team and tech are here to support you. Contact us today for any questions about getting started or to schedule a demo of our all-in-one aiNEMT software designed for entrepreneurs like you, like Bambi!
Cultivating a capable, compassionate and caring team, from safe drivers to skilled dispatchers, is key for delivering high-quality NEMT services that come with a positive experience for your riders. Hiring NEMT professionals can be achieved through various platforms and strategies, such as posting job openings on employment sites from Indeed to LinkedIn, and participating as a vendor in your local Arkansas job fairs. There are many places to find caring talent these days — you just have to get your Bambi eyes and ears out!
We're nearly at the end of the series! Go ahead and move on to the final part, Part 7, where we'll dive into managing your technology. Click here to continue, or feel free to skip ahead to other sections in the series by visiting the table of contents here.
Building a dependable and accessible fleet is essential for the success of your NEMT business. This section of the series focuses on important factors to consider when choosing and maintaining vehicles and equipment to ensure safe and comfortable transportation for your patient riders.
Select your vehicles: It’s necessary to invest in accessible vehicles that meet the needs of your patient population. You’ll want to consider features like wheelchair ramps or lifts to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations.
Choose your supporting equipment: There are various equipment options to enhance your fleet, such as ramps, lifts, first-aid kits and even coolers and snack bags. Conduct local research to find reputable brands that align with your sustainability goals. Supporting Arkansas businesses can also improve efficiency and environmental friendliness.
Maintain regular vehicle checks: Establish a comprehensive maintenance plan to keep your fleet safe for everyone, including the environment.
You're almost there! To proceed to Part 6 and learn about hiring and training your dream team, click here. Alternatively, you can explore other sections in the series by visiting the table of contents here.
Starting a startup involves startup (and sustaining) costs. It's important to be honest with oneself and business partners about the initial investment required. Factoring in expenses such as vehicle purchases, licensing fees, insurance costs, marketing expenses and operational overhead are just to name a few. Upon crunching the numbers, consider seeking adequate funding to successfully launch and sustain your NEMT business during its initial stages.
The following links and steps below are a good place to start to look for financial support. Explore funding options such as small business loans, seeking angel investors or even crowd-funding platforms.
The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) is an economic development program based in higher education. They support entrepreneurs, whether they are starting out or experienced, by providing assistance with every aspect of business creation, management and operation.
Here’s an initial list of some of your options in Arkansas:
1 | Small Business Loans
The SBA offers various loan programs for small businesses, including the 7(a) loan program, which provides financial assistance for businesses with special requirements.
The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) is a great source to contact to look for small business loans.
2 | Financial incentives
Arkansas Capital offers several programs and resources for new businesses, including financial assistance and incentives.
3 | Grants
While direct grants for starting a business are rare, there are grants available for purposes like technological innovation and rural development. If you provide NEMT services to rural Arkansas residents, you may have an opportunity to apply for a grant through Grants.gov, a comprehensive resource for federal grants.
You're over halfway through this series! To move on to Part 5 on expanding your NEMT fleet, click here. Alternatively, you can explore other sections in the series by visiting the table of contents here.
To successfully launch your NEMT business in Arkansas, you need to navigate both state and federal regulations. This includes understanding the specific registration and compliance requirements in Arkansas, as well as adhering to federal guidelines.
1 | Find out Arkansas' NEMT Requirements
Arkansas has specific licensing and permit requirements for NEMT providers. You generally need to meet certain criteria such as clearing background checks, driver and vehicle requirements as well as comply with the other requirements requested by The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS). This NEMT license is necessary to operate legally and provide transportation services to Medicaid recipients in the state.
2 | Stay on top of federal NEMT regulations
NEMT services are also subject to federal regulations established by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Ensure you are familiar with these federal requirements before starting your business operations.
3 | Get insured
Securing the appropriate insurance coverage is crucial for establishing a reliable and legally compliant NEMT business. This insurance protects your company, employees and patients against accidents, injuries and other unforeseen events. While ITR is one provider that can cover specific aspects, you will need various types of insurance to fully protect your business.
4 | Obtain necessary licenses and permits
Check with local city and county offices, as well as the Arkansas Insurance Department for specifics around NEMT businesses.
5 | Know your employer responsibilities
If you hire employees, you’ll need to comply with employment laws, including workers' compensation insurance, unemployment insurance and the reporting of new hires. It’s the law! The Arkansas Department of Labor is a great source of information on this complex topic!
By following these steps and using available resources, you can ensure that your new business in Arkansas is established correctly and complies with state regulations.
Part 2: Develop a Business Plan and Get Registered in Arkansas
Since you’ve gained all those valuable insights from your Arkansas NEMT market research in Part 1, now it’s time to develop a detailed business plan. This is important for several reasons — like for registering your business and obtaining any potential funding.
If you require further assistance, consider contacting local business consultancies and business education centers like The Innovation Hub and Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC).
We also recommend furthering your research through the Arkansas Department of Commerce and The Arkansas Secretary of State. Starting a new business and writing up a plan in Arkansas involves several important steps such as: selecting a business structure, registering the business, obtaining the necessary licenses and permits and understanding tax rules.
Here is a quick guide to help you through this part of the process:
1 | Choose a Business Entity
Decide on the legal structure of your business. Common options include Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Limited Liability Company (LLC), and Corporation (C-Corp or S-Corp). Each structure has different legal and tax implications so be sure to understand the differences.
2 | Register Your Business Name and Entity
After selecting the entity that best suits your needs, you'll want to come up with a name for it. Have fun with it, we did when we came up with our name, Bambi, for instance!
Anyway, both the entity and the name must then be registered with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration if you are conducting business in Arkansas or with Arkansas customers.
3 | Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Apply for an EIN from the IRS if you will have employees or operate as a corporation or partnership.
4 | Register for State Taxes
You’ll need to register with the Arkansas Taxpayer Access Point (ATAP) for state taxes such as sales tax and employer withholding tax.
Excellent! To move on to Part 3, where we discuss Arkansas' regulations and how to obtain insurance, click here. Or, if you’d rather, you can navigate to different sections in the series by visiting the table of contents here.
Part 1: Research the Arkansas NEMT Market
Prior to launching a new NEMT business in Arkansas, it's important to conduct thorough market research. This step ensures you avoid entering an oversaturated market and helps identify gaps in existing NEMT services. For example, you might discover that while there are NEMT providers in your particular area, they only serve Adult Day Care centers. This gap presents an opportunity to expand your services to rehabilitation centers, hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
In this section, we'll guide you on how to get started and where to focus your market research efforts in Arkansas.
1 | Identify existing NEMT providers in your area
In Arkansas, there are several NEMT providers operating under contracts with the state or through private arrangements. These providers work together to ensure that Medicaid beneficiaries and other eligible individuals in Arkansas have access to necessary medical transportation services. Some of the most notable NEMT providers and brokers include:
2 | Assess the demand for NEMT services
Assess whether there is sufficient demand for your NEMT business in your local Arkansas area. Consider whether you will be crossing multiple jurisdictional lines or operating within a limited radius. To make this determination, research local hospitals, health and wellness facilities and other establishments such as:
3 | Decide on a target market
After researching NEMT market opportunities and assessing demand, identify the demographic that makes the most sense to target, such as seniors, individuals with disabilities or a broader patient population. Specializing in a specific group will help you tailor your services and marketing strategies effectively.
The population of Arkansas is estimated to be around 3.02 million in 2024 (Source: World Population Review and Neilsberg). For a relatively large state, this population size is considered moderate.
4 | Choose a specific NEMT service (or offer them all!)
NEMT providers offer ambulatory, stretcher and wheelchair services. It's best to start with one service based on market needs and gaps, then expand. This ensures sustainability. Observe competitors and either differentiate or find a niche needing support. Begin with a well-equipped fleet tailored to your chosen service, whether it's for ADCs or physical therapy centers.
5 | Understand the different Medicaid delivery models
In Arkansas, the Medicaid program utilizes one single main regional broker for NEMT. The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) contracts this broker which is Modivcare (formally known as Logisticare Solutions, LLC) to manage and coordinate NEMT services for Medicaid beneficiaries. Modivcare then contracts with various transportation providers (including ambulatory and wheelchair-accessible vans) to provide these NEMT services to the riders in need.
This regional broker, Modivcare, may also work with qualified subcontractors in their respective areas, acting as gatekeepers who process transportation requests and address complaints to maintain service quality. It’s important to note that the DMS conducts regular reviews of these brokers to ensure high-quality service. There are other smaller regional brokers (beyond the Modivcare) acting in support alongside and include a mix of for-profit national companies and Arkansas-based human services brokers, such as development councils, area agencies on aging and community action agencies.
Here are some fast AR facts according to report State-by-State Profiles for Examining the Effects of Non-Emergency MEdical Transportation Brokerages on Transportation Coordination:
6 | Getting Paid
It’s good to get paid, eh? NEMT fee schedules in Arkansas follow the guidelines and rates set by the Arkansas Medicaid program. Here's a quick overview:
NEMT services for Medicaid recipients are reimbursed based on the established fee schedule, which includes mileage rates for various vehicle types (i.e. wheelchair vans, stretcher vans) and rates for waiting time. Providers must adhere to these rates when billing Medicaid.
Arkansas Medicaid operates under a managed care model, where some recipients are enrolled in managed care organizations (MCOs). MCOs have their own contracts and fee schedules with NEMT providers, who must comply with these rates and guidelines when serving their members.
To receive payment, NEMT providers submit claims for services rendered to Medicaid recipients. Claims are processed and reimbursed according to the fee schedule rates and any additional guidelines from Arkansas Medicaid or the MCOs.
Great job navigating through this information-packed first part! Now, let's move on to Part 2, where we'll focus on developing a business plan. Click here to continue, or you can skip ahead to other sections in the series by visiting the table of contents.
Howdy there, folks! Welcome to the lush and lovely rolling hills of Arkansas — you can almost see Bambi (or at least his cousins) prancing through them. Known as the Natural State, Arkansas boasts breathtaking landscapes and a warm, blended charm of the Southern and Midwestern spirit. With its rich agricultural heritage, Arkansans embody hard work, innovation and a strong sense of community, making it an ideal environment for your entrepreneurial journey.
Arkansas isn't just about its crops; it’s about the people who care for them, too. As many farmers in the fields today are getting older (for instance, the average farmer’s age is 57 years old!) and retiring, there is an increasing need for healthcare and transportation to appointments.
That said, Arkansas is an excellent place in the Southern Midwest to launch your non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) business for several reasons beyond the aging farmer population. From the bustling urban centers of Little Rock, Fayetteville and Fort Smith to the expansive rural areas across the state, there are abundant opportunities to establish your NEMT business.
In this Bambi Knows Best series we’ll guide you through each step in starting your own certified NEMT business in Arkansas. From researching the local market and crafting a business plan to navigating regulations, securing funding, building your fleet, hiring and training your team and managing that essential technology (maybe you even choose ours!).
As you embark on your research journey, we suggest hiring local consultants and connecting with other NEMT business owners in your area for valuable insights. Because at Bambi, we believe in cultivating a forest of friends over frenemies!
Here's a handy (or rather, hoofy) table of contents to guide you through the articles that cater to your specific needs:
Part 1: Research the Arkansas NEMT market
Part 2: Develop a business plan and get registered in Arkansas
Part 3: Study Arkansas’ regulations and get insured
Part 4: Secure funding in Arkansas
Part 5: Flesh Out Your NEMT Fleet in Arkansas
Part 6: Hire and Train Up Your NEMT Dream Team
Part 7: Take Care of That Tech
All in all, you’ll see that starting an NEMT business in Arkansas demands dedication, meticulous planning and an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional patient care. Through comprehensive research of the Arkansas market, adherence to local rules and regulations, securing funding and vehicles, assembling a skilled team and leveraging technology, you can tackle challenges with the agility of Bambi and establish a thriving NEMT business that makes a positive impact on your local Arkansas community. You got this!
As you’ve already seen in the first of this series, how our aiNEMT software is making the world a greener place, in this second edition, we’ll delve into how our well-being-minded software is making the NEMT world a turquoise greener place. Yes, it’s that soft, soothing blue/green is our main brand color — for good reason. It contributes to this lowering of an NEMT business owner’s cognitive load.
Let’s face it, entrepreneurs, especially in healthcare services, have a lot on their plates. They need support in the reduction of clutter in their tools and timetables. This is where we come in to help: by offering softness in our tech stack to ease their minds,calm their Bambi hearts and support their suite of services, swiftly and soothingly.
Soft and scientifically calming
Bambi's platform is crafted to be soft on the eyes and scientifically calming for the mind. Our simple, clean design ensures a clutter-free interface, which reduces cognitive load and promotes mental clarity. By integrating ample white space and soothing color palettes, we create an environment that’s as refreshing as it is functional and as visually spacious as Bambi’s lush light-filled forest.
"Inside our platform, customers experience clutter-free, cleansing white space that reduces cognitive load and puts the mind at ease," adds Henick. "They also experience soothing splashes of tranquil turquoise in our buttons to call attention to calm — it’s our primary brand color, after all!"
Softies building software for softies
Our experienced team of software developers is dedicated to continually refining our platform. Whether you're a seasoned NEMT business veteran or new to the industry, our platform is designed to be as easy to navigate as pressing down on the pedal and going. By prioritizing user-friendly interfaces and intuitive functionalities, we ensure that everyone can benefit from our software without feeling overwhelmed. The less stress the better for that heart and head health!
Through our simple, soft software, we’ve created a platform where NEMT business owners can thrive mentally and emotionally, enabling them to be fully present for those they care for.
So why don’t you join us in our mission to make the world a softer place to live? With Bambi, you can navigate the complexities of NEMT operations with ease, one click of Run Bambi Run and a peaceful patient ride at a time.
