How to Start an NEMT Business in Mississippi: A "Bambi Knows Best" State-By-State Series Part 1: Research the Mississippi NEMT Market First things first, you’ll need to dig into Mississippi’s healthcare and transportation landscape before you jump into the NEMT market. From bustling cities like Jackson to quiet Delta towns, Mississippi’s unique setup and spread-out communities offer a range of chances for NEMT services. Here’s how you can find your ideal spot in the Magnolia State’s NEMT market:
1 | Scope Out the Existing NEMT Providers in Mississippi Start by getting a lay of the land! Mississippi Medicaid, often just called MS Medicaid, runs Medicaid-funded NEMT services, working with different brokers to meet federal and state regulations. Top players include:
Modivcare : This big name in NEMT coordinates rides for Medicaid recipients throughout the state.Handi-Ride Services : Local operators often handle rural and underserved areas with tailored NEMT services.Uber Health : Available in certain cities, providing HIPAA-compliant medical rides.2 | Gauge Demand for NEMT Services in Mississippi Mississippi’s aging population and healthcare needs make for consistent demand in NEMT. Keep close to the Mississippi Division of Medicaid to get the latest info. Focus areas include:
Senior Facilities : Nursing homes and assisted living communities are common in cities like Jackson and Gulfport. They’re good contacts since they regularly require reliable NEMT options.Dialysis Centers : Major operators like Fresenius and DaVita have centers statewide and often have high transportation needs.Rehabilitation Clinics : Clinics across the state create chances for patient transport services. The Mississippi Physical Therapy Association can help you connect locally.Hospitals : Notable hospitals like the University of Mississippi Medical Center are major sources of NEMT demand.Outpatient Facilities : Many outpatient facilities across urban centers depend on NEMT services. You might want to check with local hospitals to find directories of these centers.3 | Pinpoint Your Target Market Shape your NEMT services to fit Mississippi’s unique needs. Focus on key groups like older adults, folks with disabilities and those needing routine medical care. Defining a clear target will help you fine-tune your offerings like a Mississippi banjo, so your services and marketing hit just the right notes.
4 | Select the Right NEMT Services Decide which NEMT services best fit Mississippi’s needs. Whether it’s dialysis transportation, regular check-up rides or helping seniors with mobility needs, specializing in one or two areas can make your business stand out. For instance, demand in Jackson could be different from what’s needed in the Delta or along the crystal waters of the Gulf Coast.
5 | Understand Medicaid Delivery Models in Mississippi Mississippi uses a Managed Care model, with Medicaid contracting brokers to handle NEMT services. Knowing how Medicaid payment and service coordination work is essential to running a successful NEMT business here.
NEMT Model : State-managed with contracts through Mississippi Medicaid.Operating Authority : Managed Care model under MS Medicaid, which coordinates NEMT services via approved brokers.Expense Classification : NEMT expenses fall under medical costs in MS Medicaid.Poverty Rate : Around 20% of the population is below the poverty line, indicating a strong reliance on Medicaid-funded NEMT.Urban Population : About 49% of residents live in urban areas.Annual NEMT Expenses : Estimated at around $30 million.Annual NEMT Trips : Around 1 million.6 | Make Sure You’re Getting Paid Mississippi NEMT payments go through MS Medicaid’s contracted brokers. Follow Medicaid’s billing guidelines to make sure you’re paid without delay. Cultivating good relationships with brokers will also keep the payment process flowing smoothly.
Now that you’ve got the rundown, you’re ready to hoedown and move ahead. Head to Part 2 for details on crafting a business plan for Mississippi’s NEMT market—or skip ahead in the Table of Contents if you’re rarin’ to get your wheels rolling in the Magnolia State!
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