How to Start an NEMT Business in Ohio: A "Bambi Knows Best" State-by-State Series

Part 1: Research the Ohio NEMT Market

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Well, hey there, Bambi pals! Welcome to the Buckeye State, where rolling fields meet bustling cities, and opportunity is ripe for starting your NEMT business. One thing to note about Ohio is that it’s a state full of contrasts, from its energetic urban hubs like Cleveland and Cincinnati to its serene rural towns and expansive countryside. Let’s prance straight into it, and get to the understanding of Ohio's NEMT landscape, so your business can thrive and serve its residents with care and ease.

1 | Get to Know Ohio's NEMT Players

But first, before you leap right in, it’s important to know who’s already hopping along Ohio’s NEMT paths. The state’s Medicaid program, Ohio Medicaid, operates under a managed care model, using transportation brokers to coordinate services. A few key players to keep an eye on include:

• Modivcare: A major broker managing NEMT services for Medicaid enrollees in Ohio.
• MTM, Inc.: While operating nationally, MTM facilitates Medicaid and Medicare NEMT services in Ohio through its extensive network. They manage scheduling, provider oversight, and claims for state agencies and managed care organizations.
• United Medical Transportation Network: A company offering Medicaid-based NEMT services in Ohio, focusing on ambulatory, wheelchair, and other specialized transport needs for medical appointments​.
• Unique Services Logistics Transportation, Inc.: Based in Columbus, this provider offers both lift and non-lift services for appointments like dialysis, specialty care, and post-hospital discharge.
• Uber Health: Available in select Ohio cities, offering HIPAA-compliant ride scheduling for medical appointments.

Beyond this list above, we encourage you to browse directories or reach out to local healthcare systems to see who else is already servicing your area.

2 | Measure the Demand for NEMT Services in Ohio

Ohio’s mix of an aging population, rural communities and robust healthcare networks creates consistent demand for NEMT services. Here’s where to start gauging your need and niche:

• Adult Day Care Centers: Ohio has over 100 adult day care centers serving seniors and individuals with disabilities across urban and rural areas. Connecting with local facilities and Area Agencies on Aging can help identify potential partnerships for your NEMT business.
• Senior Care Facilities: Ohio has hundreds of nursing homes and assisted living centers across cities and small towns alike.
• Dialysis Centers: Facilities like DaVita and Fresenius are scattered across the state, with patients requiring frequent rides for treatment.
• Hospitals and Clinics: With top-tier hospitals like the Cleveland Clinic and Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, Ohio sees high patient traffic needing dependable transportation.
• Outpatient Services: Physical therapy centers, rehabilitation clinics and specialty care providers are key opportunities for NEMT services.

We also recommend that you extend your research to county health departments or healthcare associations. Ask them for detailed information and specific stats on a particular jurisdiction you’re keen to provide service in.

3 | Find Your Target Audience

Ohio’s diverse population offers a range of potential customers for your NEMT business. Seniors, individuals with disabilities and people managing chronic conditions make up a significant portion of Ohioans needing medical transport. Tailoring your services to their specific needs — whether it’s for wheelchair-accessible vans or frequent dialysis trips — will help you build a loyal customer base.

4 | Pick Your Specialty

Not every NEMT business needs to do it all. Ohio’s mix of urban and rural areas means you can focus on what works best for your business and niche down:

• Urban Services: In places like Columbus or Dayton, there’s high demand for on-time transport to busy hospitals and clinics.
• Rural Solutions: Out in the countryside, like Appalachian Ohio, you can focus on reliability for long-distance trips to regional medical hubs.
• Niche Transport: Specialize in serving seniors, veterans or children with medical needs.

Identifying a niche helps your Bambi stand out amongst the good ol’ Buckeyes!

5 | Understand Ohio’s Medicaid Delivery Models

Ohio Medicaid operates under a Managed Care model, meaning transportation brokers manage NEMT services. Getting familiar with how this works is key to ensuring your business stays in compliance and gets paid.

Key facts about Ohio’s NEMT system:

• NEMT Model: Ohio uses a state-managed brokerage model for Medicaid NEMT services, working with approved brokers to coordinate rides.
• Operating Authority: Medicaid NEMT is administered through Ohio Medicaid’s Managed Care Organizations (MCOs).
• NEMT Expense Classification: Classified as a covered medical service under Medicaid.
• Poverty Rate: About 13.5% of Ohio's population lives below the poverty line.
• Urban Population: Around 77% of Ohio residents live in urban areas.
• Estimated Annual NEMT expense: In 2023, Ohio reported Medicaid expenditures for NEMT at around $152 million.
• Estimated Annual NEMT Trips: Approximately 4.5 million trips per year across the state.

Be sure to stay up to date regularly with Ohio Medicaid’s guidelines, as they set the rules of the road for NEMT services.

6 | Get Your Payments in a Row

In Ohio, payments are primarily handled through Medicaid and its contracted brokers. To ensure smooth compensation:

• Partner with brokers and follow their billing procedures carefully.
• Keep detailed trip records and submit claims on time to avoid delays.
• Build relationships with healthcare providers who might recommend your services.

When you’re diligent with documentation and kind to your partners, payments will come prancing in and on time.

Armed (or, rather, hoofed) with this market knowledge, you’re now ready to take the next step in your NEMT journey. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll guide you through building a tailored business plan for Ohio. Ready to dive in? The Buckeye State awaits!

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