How to Start an NEMT Business in New Mexico: A "Bambi Knows Best" State-By-State Series
Part 1: Research the New Mexico NEMT Market
Welcome to the New Mexico edition of Bambi Knows Bes t, where we’re all about helping you embark on your non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) adventure in the Land of Enchantment! With its stunning deserts, vibrant cultures and welcoming communities, New Mexico is a fantastic place to launch your NEMT services. As you gear up to serve a diverse population that spans urban centers like Albuquerque and Santa Fe to the picturesque landscapes of the state’s rural areas, let’s uncover how to find your niche in this dynamic market.
1 | Identify Existing NEMT Providers in New Mexico Get familiar with the players in the game! New Mexico’s Medicaid program oversees NEMT services, collaborating with brokers to meet federal and state guidelines. Key providers in the area include:
Modivcare: A major broker coordinating transport for Medicaid clients.SafeRide Health Uber Health: Available in select cities, offering HIPAA-compliant ride scheduling for medical visits.Dive into local directories and online resources to spot other NEMT providers across the state, particularly in health hubs like Las Cruces and Taos.
2 | Assess the Demand for NEMT Services New Mexico’s diverse population and growing healthcare needs create a solid demand for NEMT services. For the latest info, reach out to the New Mexico Human Services Department. Key areas to explore include:
Adult Day Cares & Senior Living Centers: A network of nursing homes and assisted living facilities, especially in cities like Albuquerque and Santa Fe.Dialysis Clinics: Numerous centers across the state with consistent transportation needs for patients.Physical Therapy Facilities: Countless clinics in New Mexico present opportunities for patient transport. Connect with local healthcare providers for specifics.Hospitals: Well-respected hospitals generating high volumes of transport needs.Outpatient Clinics: Many rely on NEMT services for patient transport, especially in urban areas.3 | Decide on a Target Market Customize your NEMT services to address the unique needs of New Mexico residents. Focus on demographics like seniors, individuals with disabilities, or those with chronic conditions requiring regular medical visits. Pinpointing a target audience sharpens your marketing strategies and aligns your services with the state’s healthcare demands.
4 | Choose Specific NEMT Services Think about which NEMT offerings fit best with New Mexico’s needs. Whether it’s rides for routine check-ups, dialysis appointments or mobility solutions for seniors, carving out a niche will help make your business shine. Urban areas may have different demands compared to the more rural parts of the state.
5 | Understand Medicaid Delivery Models in New Mexico New Mexico uses a Managed Care model, where Medicaid partners with brokers to provide NEMT services. Understanding how Medicaid manages payments and coordination is key to running a successful NEMT business.
Key Facts about New Mexico’s NEMT System:
NEMT Model: State-managed brokerage under Medicaid oversight.Operating Authority: Medicaid’s Managed Care model integrates NEMT services via broker contracts.NEMT Expense Classification: Classified as a medical expense under Medicaid.Poverty Rate: About 18.6% of the population lives below the poverty line.Urban Population: Approximately 70% of New Mexico residents are urban dwellers.Estimated Annual NEMT Expense: Roughly $40 million.Estimated Annual NEMT Trips: About 1.5 million.6 | Getting Paid Payments for NEMT services in New Mexico are mainly managed through Medicaid and its contracted brokers. Here’s how to ensure you get your payment:
Medicaid Managed Care: NEMT providers receive reimbursement through the state’s Medicaid system.Brokerage Contracts: Collaborate with brokers to handle trip coordination and payment processing.Stay on top of Medicaid’s billing guidelines to avoid payment delays, and build solid relationships with your brokerage partners to keep things running smoothly.
With this market overview, you're set to take the next leap! Stay tuned for Part 2 , where we’ll explore crafting a business plan tailored to New Mexico’s NEMT needs, or skip ahead in the TOC to kick off your journey in New Mexico.
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