How to Start an NEMT Business in Kentucky: A "Bambi Knows Best" State-By-State Series Part 1: Research the Kentucky NEMT Market
Before picking up your Bambi banjo and launching your NEMT business in the Bluegrass State, it’s crucial to understand Kentucky’s healthcare and transportation landscape. From the lively streets of Louisville to the tranquil hills of the Appalachian Mountains, Kentucky’s diverse geography influences the differing needs for NEMT services. Here’s how to navigate the Kentucky NEMT scene:
1 | Identify Existing NEMT Providers in Kentucky Get to know your competition and potential partners! Kentucky’s Medicaid program manages Medicaid-funded NEMT services through brokers, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. Key players of these brokers and providers include:
Modivcare : A leading broker coordinating rides for Medicaid recipients statewide.American Logistics : Delivers tech-driven NEMT solutions focused on efficiency.TackTransit: Kentucky Public Transportation : Provides various transit services, including some NEMT options. We advise you to look into your local transport options from this main linked page.Local Providers: Smaller companies often cater to specific regions, so search for “NEMT providers” plus your particular county for a more localized view.Uber Health : Available in select areas for HIPAA-compliant medical ride scheduling.We also stumbled upon this helpful source from ky.gov while frolicking across the world wide web to support your Kentucky NEMT biz. We recommend giving it a good thorough Thumper review as there are some hidden Bambi gems within.
2 | Assess the Demand for NEMT Services Kentucky's healthcare system and growing senior population create a major demand for NEMT. For up-to-date data, connect with the Kentucky Department for Public Health . Key areas to investigate include:
Adult Day Care Centers: These numerous licensed centers serve seniors who require transportation. We recommend getting in touch with Just Family Center to dig further into the ADC data and contact lists there in Kentucky.Dialysis Clinics: Many clinics, including those run by DaVita and local providers, operate statewide. These are great opportunities for patient riders so reach out to them for potential business partnerships.Physical Therapy Centers: These facilities present opportunities for regular patient transport, so consult local healthcare resources for specifics. You can consult the Kentucky Physical Therapy Association and/or check with local healthcare providers for more specifics on PTCs in your area.Hospitals: Major hospital networks like UofL Health offer numerous locations across the state. They would be able to give you more exact numbers and contact lists needed for hospital outreach.Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities: Kentucky has many licensed facilities for its aging population — check with the Department for Aging and Independent Living for exact data and outreach lists.Outpatient Care Centers: Often require reliable transport, so contact local hospitals for partnership opportunities with their associated OCCs.3 | Decide on a Target Market Focus on specific demographics, such as seniors, individuals with chronic conditions or those simply needing regular medical visits like mental health reviews, medicine regulation checks and more. Tailoring your services to Kentucky’s unique healthcare needs will help you stand out and, in the end, optimize your marketing efforts and spend.
4 | Choose Specific NEMT Services Similar to the above step, determine which services best align with Kentucky's needs — whether that’s rides to routine appointments, specialized transport for dialysis or day care solutions for seniors. Finding your niche will help you navigate the competitive landscape and maximize your marketing ROI.
5 | Understand Medicaid Delivery Models in Kentucky Kentucky's Medicaid program operates under a managed care model, coordinating transportation requests through brokers to streamline services and control costs. Key facts include:
NEMT Model: Managed care with oversight from the Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services. Operating Authority: Federal Section 1915(b) Freedom-of-Choice Waiver. Managed under the State Medicaid Plan.NEMT Expense Classification: Classified as a medical expense under Medicaid.Poverty Rate: Approximately 19% of residents live below the poverty line.Urban Population: About 41% reside in urban areas.Estimated Annual NEMT Expense: Approximately $65 million.Estimated Annual NEMT Trips: 3,264,495.6 | Getting Paid NEMT payments in Kentucky are primarily processed through Medicaid. Here’s how you’ll typically receive compensation:
Medicaid Fee-for-Service: Direct reimbursement from Medicaid for eligible trips.Brokerage Contracts: Partner with brokers to manage trip coordination and payments.Stay updated with Medicaid billing guidelines to ensure timely payments. For more details, reach out to the Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services or your brokerage partners.
With this market overview, you’re all Bambi set to hoof it forward. Stay tuned for Part 2 , where we’ll guide you through developing a tailored business plan for Kentucky’s NEMT needs, or jump ahead in the TOC to start your journey in the Bluegrass State!
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