How to Start an NEMT Business in Wisconsin: A "Bambi Knows Best" State-By-State Series Part 1: Research the Wisconsin NEMT Market Welcome cheery cheeseheads! You can think of us at Bambi as your expert resource for launching a non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) business in the Badger State! With its mix of bustling urban hubs, scenic rural landscapes and harsh winter weather, Wisconsin offers a diverse and growing market for NEMT services. Whether you’re helping seniors in Milwaukee or navigating small towns like Rhinelander, there’s an increasing demand for reliable transportation to medical appointments.
Let’s explore how you can make a difference in Wisconsin’s healthcare transportation landscape!
1 | Identify Existing NEMT Providers in Wisconsin Start by getting familiar with the key players already serving Wisconsin. The state’s Medicaid program facilitates NEMT services, often in partnership with brokers to maintain compliance. Key providers in Wisconsin include:
MTM, Inc. : A leading NEMT broker managing Medicaid transportation services Wisconsin statewide.Uber Health : Operating in select cities like Madison and Milwaukee, offering HIPAA-compliant rides for patients.We’ll always recommend that you explore local directories and health system partnerships to identify additional NEMT providers in areas like Green Bay, La Crosse and Wausau.2 | Assess the Demand for NEMT Services Wisconsin’s aging population and the need for healthcare accessibility across its rural areas create a ripe and oh-so-ready market for NEMT services. Key areas we would suggest you to focus on include:
Senior Living Facilities : Cities like Milwaukee and Eau Claire have large clusters of assisted living communities needing transportation services to and from medical appointments but also senior activities.Dialysis Centers : Patients rely on consistent, dependable rides to treatment centers statewide.Physical Therapy Clinics : Especially in regions like Madison and Kenosha, clinics see frequent need for transport services.Hospitals & Outpatient Clinics : Major healthcare hubs like Froedtert in Milwaukee or Gundersen Health System in La Crosse generate ongoing transportation demands.Building relationships with healthcare providers is key to gaining a clear understanding of local demand and tailoring your services accordingly.3 | Define Your Target Market Wisconsin’s urban and rural populations have distinct needs when it comes to NEMT services. Consider focusing on:
Elderly Residents : With nearly 20% of the population aged 65 or older, Wisconsin seniors often require transportation to medical appointments.People with Disabilities : This group frequently needs rides to and from ongoing treatments or therapy sessions.Chronic Condition Patients : Dialysis, chemotherapy and similar treatments generate consistent demand for transport services.By understanding these groups, you can design effective marketing strategies and business models that cater to Wisconsin’s specific demographics. You’ll also be able to best plan for and set up your fleet of vehicles.Wisconsin's diverse geography requires adaptability in your NEMT services, from navigating icy rural roads in winter to managing busy urban intersections. Consider specializing in areas like:
Winter-Weather Preparedness: Ensure your vehicles and ADA equipment (such as wheelchair lifts) are equipped to handle snow and ice, keeping passengers safe and comfortable in harsh conditions.Short-Distance Urban Rides: Focus on quick, convenient trips for residents in densely populated cities like Madison and Milwaukee. These shorter rides, often in high demand, can become a steady and reliable revenue stream.Long-Distance Rural Transport: Offer transport for patients in remote areas who need access to healthcare facilities in larger cities, addressing an essential need in underserved regions.Offering specialized options based on location and population needs will help you stand Bambi out and proud in a forest of all the other NEMT options.5 | Understand Medicaid Delivery Models in Wisconsin Wisconsin’s Medicaid system operates through a fee-for-service model and managed care organizations, which often rely on transportation brokers to schedule and coordinate NEMT rides. Understanding how these systems work will help you stay compliant and ensure timely payments for your services. Key points to Bambi bare in mind:
NEMT Model: Wisconsin uses a broker-based model for Medicaid NEMT services, with MTM, Inc. acting as the primary transportation broker for eligible members.Operating Authority: NEMT services are administered through Wisconsin Medicaid, overseen by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS).NEMT Expense Classification: NEMT is considered a covered medical service under Wisconsin Medicaid.Poverty Rate: Approximately 10% of Wisconsin’s population lives below the federal poverty line, slightly below the national average.Urban Population: Around 70% of Wisconsin’s residents live in urban areas, with Milwaukee being the largest city.Estimated Annual NEMT Trips: Wisconsin reports tens of thousands of NEMT trips annually, reflecting the demand for accessible healthcare across the state.It’s a bit of a Bambi balancing act, but Wisconsin’s model emphasizes coordination between brokers, providers and the state to ensure compliance and efficiency.6 | Getting Paid Payments for Medicaid NEMT services in Wisconsin flow through contracted brokers. To ensure smooth payment:
Partner with Brokers : Establish agreements with MTM or other brokers managing the state’s Medicaid rides.Follow Billing Guidelines : Proper documentation and adherence to Medicaid standards are essential for timely reimbursements.Building strong partnerships with brokers and staying on top of state regulations will streamline your payment process and keep operations running and frolicking Bambi and friends type of smoothly.Ready to hop on over and gear up the NEMT gears in Wisconsin? With its blend of opportunity and need, your NEMT business can thrive while making a meaningful impact in communities across the Badger State. Let Bambi Knows Best guide your journey to success! Feel free to always go back to our table of contents to skip around the steps or hoof on over to the next one right here for Part 2 .
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.