How to Start an NEMT Business in Hawaii: A "Bambi Knows Best" State-By-State Series Part 1: Research the Hawaii NEMT Market Before you dive into Hawaii’s NEMT market, it’s important to understand the unique healthcare and transportation systems of the islands. From Honolulu’s bustling streets to the quiet shores of Maui, Hawaii’s geography and strong sense of ‘ohana (family) create distinct demands for NEMT services. Here’s how to navigate and hop along Hawaii’s NEMT scene, island by island:
1 | Identify Existing NEMT Providers in Hawaii Get to know the competition and potential collaborators! Hawaii’s Medicaid program oversees NEMT services for Medicaid recipients, using brokers to manage operations and maintain state and federal standards. Major providers include:
MTM : A key broker that coordinates NEMT rides for Medicaid members statewide.Hawaii Health Systems Corporation: A large player in healthcare, offering some NEMT services.Local Providers: Smaller, island-specific NEMT businesses that serve local areas. Search for “NEMT providers” plus your island or city (e.g., "NEMT providers in Maui") to learn more about local players.Uber Health : Available in select Hawaiian areas, offering HIPAA-compliant ride scheduling for medical appointments.Check local directories, state resources, and online listings to discover more NEMT providers, especially in urban hubs like Honolulu or remote regions like Kauai and the Big Island.
2 | Assess the Demand for NEMT Services Hawaii’s growing population of kupuna (elders) and its island geography create a high demand for NEMT. For the latest data, reach out to the Hawaii Department of Health. Key areas to explore include:
Adult Day Care Centers: Hawaii has many ADCs serving kupuna in need of transportation. The Department of Health is a good resource for up-to-date lists of these centers.Dialysis Clinics: Several dialysis clinics, including Fresenius Medical Care , serve residents across the islands.Physical Therapy Centers: PTCs are located across Hawaii, offering patient transport opportunities. You can reach out to the Hawaii Physical Therapy Association for a list of centers.Hospitals: Hawaii’s healthcare network includes major facilities like The Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu and other hospitals on neighboring islands.Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities: Hawaii has a significant number of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Contact the Department of Human Services for details on these organizations.Outpatient Care Centers: Critical for patient access — often post-medical treatments a hospitals, OCCs often require reliable transportation services, so check with local hospitals for listings.3 | Decide on a Target Market Focus on specific demographics such as kupuna (remember this new word you learned from the TOC? It means elderly in Hawaiian), individuals with chronic conditions or patients needing regular medical or mental health appointments. Tailoring your services to Hawaii’s unique healthcare needs will help you stand out and use your marketing dollars the most wisely. It’s like finding your favorite surf spot — once you find your niche, the ride gets smoother!
4 | Choose Specific NEMT Services Decide which services best fit Hawaii’s needs — whether it’s routine medical appointments, specialized transport for dialysis or mobility assistance for kupuna. Establishing your niche service will help you navigate Hawaii’s NEMT market and make the most of your marketing efforts.
5 | Understand Medicaid Delivery Models in Hawaii Hawaii’s Medicaid program uses a managed care model, with Medicaid overseeing NEMT services through contracted brokers. Here’s what you need to know about Hawaii’s NEMT system:
Key facts about Hawaii’s NEMT system :
NEMT Model: Broker-managed care services under Hawaii Medicaid.Operating Authority: Medicaid waiver programs and Hawaii QUEST Integration. Federal Section 1115 Demonstration Waiver.NEMT Expense Classification: Considered a medical expense under Medicaid.Poverty Rate: Roughly 11% of residents live below the poverty line.Urban Population: About 71% of the population resides in urban areas, primarily in Honolulu.Estimated Annual NEMT Expense: $23.5 millionEstimated Annual NEMT Trips: 831,4936 | Getting Paid Payments for NEMT services in Hawaii are mainly handled through Medicaid. Here’s how you’ll typically receive compensation:
Medicaid Managed Care: Payment through managed care organizations that contract with Medicaid.Brokerage Contracts: Work with brokers who handle trip coordination and payments.Make sure to follow Medicaid billing guidelines carefully to avoid delays in payment. Contact Hawaii’s Med-QUEST Division or your brokerage partners for more details.
With this market overview, you’re ready to move forward. Stay tuned for Part 2 , where we’ll help you craft a business plan suited to Hawaii’s NEMT market, or jump ahead to our table of contents to start your NEMT journey in the islands!
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