CONNECTING INDIVIDUALS TO HEALTH CARE, EMPLOYMENT, AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES THROUGH SAFE, RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION SUPPORT

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH)
Role: Oversees Medicaid enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement for Transportation Assistance Services

Agency: Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) – Coordinated Transportation Program
Role: Manages state-funded and coordinated transportation services for eligible populations

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Provides federal oversight ensuring Transportation Assistance Services meet Medicaid HCBS requirements

2. TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE SERVICE OVERVIEW

Transportation Assistance Services provide non-emergency transport to and from approved locations that are necessary for an individual's health, employment, and community participation.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Transportation to Medicaid-covered medical appointments
• Transportation to employment sites, day programs, educational institutions, and community activities (when authorized)
• Assistance with boarding, securing wheelchairs or mobility devices, and exiting vehicles
• Escort services for individuals who require supervision during transport
• Trip planning, scheduling, and coordination for participants with special needs

All transportation services must be pre-authorized in the participant’s Individual Service Plan (ISP) and meet Medicaid safety, accessibility, and reliability standards.

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3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register business with the Georgia Secretary of State
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
• Enroll as a Medicaid Transportation Provider through the Georgia Medicaid Management Information System (GAMMIS)
• Obtain commercial vehicle insurance and general liability insurance
• If providing Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) through Georgia Medicaid, comply with all DHS and DCH NEMT provider requirements
• Maintain Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance if operating larger vehicles
• Ensure all vehicles are ADA-compliant where applicable
• Develop policies for participant safety, driver training, vehicle maintenance, and trip documentation

4. DCH PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Request Transportation Services provider application materials from DCH
• (Optional) Coordinate with DHS if applying to be a participant in the state’s Coordinated Transportation Program

Application and Documentation Submission:

• Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, vehicle insurance, driver credentialing, and operational policies
• Provide trip scheduling systems, participant intake forms, and emergency protocols
• Submit driver background screening, defensive driving certifications, and vehicle inspection records

Program Readiness Review:

• DCH reviews provider readiness for Medicaid service delivery, trip verification systems, vehicle safety standards, and participant protection policies

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

• Upon approval, complete Medicaid enrollment through GAMMIS
• Configure billing codes for Transportation Assistance Services

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5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business License (Georgia Secretary of State)
• IRS EIN confirmation
• NPI confirmation
• Proof of commercial auto and general liability insurance
• Vehicle inspection and maintenance records

DCH-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:

• Participant intake, transportation needs assessment, and trip authorization tracking
• Scheduling, vehicle maintenance, and emergency response procedures
• ADA compliance policies for accessible transportation
• HIPAA confidentiality, client rights, and grievance procedures
• Staff credentialing, driver background checks, and training documentation
• Medicaid billing, service verification, and trip log systems

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6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Transportation Program Manager / Dispatcher
Requirements: Experience in transportation logistics, human services, or healthcare transportation preferred; background screening clearance

Role: Drivers / Transportation Assistants
Requirements: Valid Georgia driver’s license; CPR/First Aid certification recommended; defensive driving certification preferred; background screening clearance

All staff must complete:

• Passenger assistance, ADA compliance, and wheelchair securement training
• HIPAA confidentiality and abuse prevention training
• Emergency evacuation and incident reporting training
• Annual refresher training on transportation safety standards and Medicaid documentation compliance

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

The following Georgia Medicaid Waivers authorize Transportation Assistance Services:

• Comprehensive Supports Waiver Program (COMP)
• New Options Waiver Program (NOW)
• Independent Care Waiver Program (ICWP)

Approved providers may deliver:

• Transportation to and from authorized medical, employment, and community destinations
• Specialized transport for individuals with mobility challenges
• Trip documentation and service verification per Medicaid requirements

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8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Initial Setup
Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: Vehicle Purchase/Lease, Licensing, and Insurance Setup
Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: DCH Provider Application and Readiness Review
Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Staff Hiring, Training, and Vehicle Readiness Verification
Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment and Billing Configuration
Timeline: 45–60 days

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9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH)
Website: https://dch.georgia.gov/

Georgia Medicaid Management Information System (GAMMIS)
Website: https://www.mmis.georgia.gov/

Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) — Coordinated Transportation
Website: https://aging.georgia.gov/programs-services/coordinated-transportation

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10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business registration and EIN/NPI setup
• Medicaid Transportation Provider enrollment support
• Development of Transportation Assistance Services Policy & Procedure Manual
• Staff credentialing templates and trip documentation systems
• Medicaid billing setup and claims configuration
• Website, domain, and email setup
• Participant intake, transportation needs assessment, and scheduling templates
• Emergency preparedness, incident reporting, and vehicle safety systems
• Quality assurance systems for trip verification and participant satisfaction
• Community networking and partnership building strategies

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — GEORGIA TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE SERVICES PROVIDER

We support transportation agencies and community service organizations in launching Medicaid-compliant Transportation Assistance Services under Georgia’s HCBS waiver programs.

To get started, click the link to request portal access.