How to Start an NEMT Business in Louisiana: A "Bambi Knows Best" State-By-State Series Part 1: Research the Louisiana NEMT Market
Before you take flight with your eager Bambi wings into the NEMT scene in the Pelican State, it’s important to understand Louisiana’s healthcare and transportation landscape. From the lively streets of New Orleans to the swamps of Cajun Country and the historic neighborhoods of Baton Rouge, the diverse geography and communities shape the unique needs for NEMT services. Here’s how we suggest you get started:
1 | Identify Existing NEMT Providers in Louisiana Get to know your competitors and potential partners! Louisiana’s Medicaid program oversees Medicaid-funded NEMT services through brokers, ensuring compliance with both state and federal regulations. Some of the key players include:
Modivcare : A leading broker that coordinates NEMT services for Medicaid recipients across the state.American Logistics : Tech-driven NEMT solutions focusing on efficient, dependable service.Verida Louisiana Public Transportation : A state-run resource providing NEMT services in certain areas. Local communities often manage their own transit, so be sure to check for regional providers.Uber Health : Available in select areas for HIPAA-compliant medical ride scheduling.Also, be sure to check out Louisiana’s Medicaid transportation program through LDH (Louisiana Department of Health) to stay on top of all the details you’ll need.
2 | Assess the Demand for NEMT Services Louisiana’s growing senior population and healthcare system create a strong demand for NEMT services. To get the latest data, connect with the Louisiana Department of Health. Key areas to explore include:
Adult Day Care Centers: In Louisiana, there are approximately 90 licensed adult day care centers , which provide essential services to elderly and disabled individuals in a community-based setting.Dialysis Clinics: Clinics run by major providers like DaVita and Fresenius are spread throughout the state, presenting a great opportunity for NEMT partnerships — especially as these will often be regular visits for your patient riders.Physical Therapy Centers: Louisiana’s PT centers are another potential source of regular patient transport. Contact the Louisiana Physical Therapy Board for more info on the centers across the state for your outreach.Hospitals: Large networks such as Ochsner Health and Louisiana State University (LSU) Health have multiple locations across the state. These facilities often need consistent NEMT services.Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities: The Louisiana Department of Health offers data on licensed facilities across the state — another excellent target market, some residents, of which will attend Adult Day Cares during the day.Outpatient Care Centers: These facilities often rely on NEMT providers for transport to and from medical appointments. Check with local hospitals as they often partner up with these clinics for partnership possibilities.3 | Decide on a Target Market Focus on specific demographics, such as seniors, individuals with chronic health conditions or those requiring regular medical visits. Tailoring your services to Louisiana’s healthcare needs will help you stand out and effectively allocate your marketing budget and creative efforts.
4 | Choose Specific NEMT Services Determine which services among the chosen target market best align with Louisiana’s needs — whether it’s transportation to routine medical appointments, specialized dialysis trips or senior day care. Identifying your niche will help you differentiate your services from your friendly competition and maximize your business’s impact.
5 | Understand Medicaid Delivery Models in Louisiana Louisiana’s Medicaid program uses a managed care model for NEMT, coordinating transportation requests through brokers. Some key facts include:
NEMT Model: Managed care under the oversight of the Louisiana Department of Health .Operating Authority: 1902(a)(70) State Plan Amendment and Federal Section 1115 Demonstration Waiver.NEMT Expense Classification: Covered as a medical expense under Medicaid.Poverty Rate: Roughly 20% of residents live below the poverty line.Urban Population: About 61% of residents live in urban areas, which can influence transportation needs.Estimated Annual NEMT Expense: Approximately $21 million.Estimated Annual NEMT Trips: Around 745,879.6 | Getting Paid NEMT payments in Louisiana are primarily processed through Medicaid. Typical payment methods include:
Medicaid Fee-for-Service: Direct reimbursement for eligible NEMT trips.Brokerage Contracts: Partner with brokers like Modivcare to handle trip coordination and payments.Stay up-to-date with Louisiana’s Medicaid billing guidelines to ensure timely payments. For more details, we advise you to reach out to the Louisiana Department of Health or your chosen brokerage partners.
With this market overview, you’re ready to get rolling. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll guide you through creating a business plan for Louisiana’s NEMT needs. Ready to dive in now? Check out the rest of our Bambi Knows Best series to keep moving or head back to the TOC!
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