How to Start an NEMT Business in Oklahoma: A "Bambi Knows Best" State-by-State Series Hey there, dear Bambi friends! Welcome to the Sooner State, where the prairies are wide, the communities are close-knit and the need for non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) is growing beyond Bambi fast. Oklahoma is as diverse as the land itself, with a mix of urban centers like Oklahoma City and Tulsa and also comes with peaceful, sprawling rural areas. If you're ready to ride into the NEMT business here, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore the state’s market dynamics and how to get your business in gear to serve Oklahomans with the utmost care.
1 | Know Who’s Already Out There Before you saddle up and in, it’s important to familiarize yourself with Oklahoma’s current NEMT providers. The state uses a managed care model for Medicaid transportation, which means there are brokers who oversee and coordinate services. Some of the key players include:
SoonerRide : SoonerRide is Oklahoma's Medicaid transportation program, offering free rides for eligible SoonerCare members to medical appointments and other covered services across the state. Modivcare : A dominant force in Medicaid transportation, they coordinate services statewide for those enrolled in Oklahoma Medicaid.MTM, Inc. : A national player that handles both Medicaid and Medicare services across Oklahoma, focusing on scheduling, provider oversight, and claims management.United Medical Transportation Network (UMTN) : Providing specialized transport like wheelchair-accessible rides for patients in need of non-emergency medical services across Oklahoma.Uber Health : Serving select Oklahoma cities, offering HIPAA-compliant rides for patients traveling to medical appointments.We recommend keeping things efficient. To do so, it's smart to check out local healthcare directories and build relationships with local hospitals and clinics. There are always opportunities to collaborate or find out who is serving what particular area.
2 | Assess the Need for NEMT Services in Oklahoma Oklahoma’s healthcare system needs dependable transportation to ensure patients get to appointments on time, and this includes a blend of urban and rural regions. With an aging population and an increasing focus on health services, NEMT demand is definitely consistent. To figure out your business opportunities, here are some target groups to look into:
Adult Day Care Centers: Oklahoma has over 100 adult day care centers which are designed to assist elderly residents who need support during the day.Dialysis Clinics : With a growing number of dialysis centers across Oklahoma, patients often require frequent rides to and from treatments.Hospitals & Outpatient Services : Large urban hospitals like the OU Medical Center and community health systems often see a constant flow of patients needing reliable transport.We advise you to connect with local Area Agencies on Aging, healthcare systems and community organizations to better understand the full scope of the NEMT market in Oklahoma.
3 | Identify Your Target Audience Oklahoma’s residents are diverse, with many individuals in need of specialized transportation services. The primary groups requiring NEMT services are seniors, people with chronic conditions and those with disabilities. Tailoring your services to these populations — whether it's for wheelchair-accessible vehicles, rides to dialysis appointments or specialized care for veterans — will help you stand out in the market.
4 | Consider a Niche Focus While you can serve a broad range of NEMT needs, Oklahoma’s varied geography and demographics mean you might want to consider specializing in the following:
Urban Focus : In Oklahoma City or Tulsa, you’ll find plenty of patients needing quick and reliable transport to hospitals and medical centers.Rural Focus : Rural areas like the Oklahoma Panhandle or the Ozark region offer opportunities for long-distance travel to larger medical hubs.Specialized Transport : Offering services for specific groups like veterans, elderly or children could help create a loyal customer base.Trust us, finding your niche helps you stand out so be sure to dig further into your research.
5 | Get Familiar with Oklahoma’s Medicaid Model Oklahoma’s Medicaid system is built around a managed care model, meaning transportation brokers handle the scheduling and coordination of rides. Familiarizing yourself with these operations ensures you stay compliant and can get paid promptly for services rendered.
Key details to know:
NEMT Model: Oklahoma operates under a state-managed brokerage model for Medicaid NEMT services, with SoonerCare (Oklahoma Medicaid) working with LogistiCare to manage transportation needs for eligible members.Operating Authority: NEMT services are administered through Oklahoma's Medicaid program, which is overseen by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA).NEMT Expense Classification: NEMT is classified as a covered medical service under Medicaid.Poverty Rate: About 15.6% of Oklahoma's population lives below the federal poverty line, which is higher than the national average.Urban Population: Roughly 66% of Oklahoma’s residents live in urban areas.Estimated Annual NEMT Expense: In the most recent public report for 2021, Oklahoma spent approximately $10.23 million on NEMT services during the second quarter alone.Estimated Annual NEMT Trips: Oklahoma reports over 190,000 unduplicated trips for NEMT services in the second quarter of 2021.6 | Master Your Payment Process Payments in Oklahoma are processed through Medicaid and its approved brokers. Here are a few tips to ensure you get paid smoothly:
Work with brokers to understand billing procedures and follow them closely. Keep detailed records of every trip and submit claims promptly. Build relationships with local healthcare providers to increase referrals to your business. By keeping everything in order and maintaining strong partnerships, your payments will come through in a timely manner.
With this local knowledge under your belt, you’re ready to continue your NEMT journey. Stay tuned for Part 2 , where we’ll guide you through crafting your business plan and getting your service up and running wild and free in Oklahoma. The Sooner State’s NEMT market is waiting for you!
Comments
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.