Orlando, Fla.—According to industry sources, the pandemic generated a massive need for reliable car transportation to get to appointments, essential doctor visits, and daily treatments. An estimated 4 million U.S. patients miss medical appointments annually due to a lack of transportation. The pandemic has compounded the problem as high-risk individuals avoid public transit.

Uber and Lyft, formed their health divisions in 2018 and 2016, respectively, are now seeing the multi-billion dollar NEMT market as fertile ground to drive growth, expecting a reduction in patient no-shows that can cost providers valuable revenue and exacerbate health conditions.

Medicaid reimburses for medically necessary non-emergency transportation services for a Medicaid eligible recipient and a personal care attendant or escort, if required, who have no other means of transportation available to any Medicaid compensable service. This service is one of the minimum covered services for all Managed Medical Assistance, Long-term Care and Comprehensive Long-term Care plans serving Medicaid enrollees. Also, the original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, both, cover emergency transportation in an ambulance. Most of the time, original Medicare does not cover non-emergency situations, unless approved ahead of time. Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover this service as an added feature.

With the increased demand, many new NEMT Service companies are emerging as well as others expanding their operations in Florida.

Whether you are opening a new company, expanding, or a ride-share contractor, at Garzor Insurance we have the local experience needed to help you protect your business operation successfully.

Some of the things you might want to consider when purchasing your NEMT insurance coverage are; the fact that carriers usually have a set of non-emergency medical transportation requirements, and rating factors. Here are a few examples:

• Seating capacity of the vehicle.
• The drivers age.
• Vehicles equipped with light bars, sirens, and life support equipment including oxygen tanks are typically prohibited.
• Safety equipment and written procedures - your insurance company might have guidelines for vehicles with wheelchair access.

The municipalities and private facilities you work with might have minimum coverage requirements. Read carefully your business contracts for specific coverage needs at the time of purchasing your new insurance policy.

At Garzor Insurance, we understand the challenges business owners go through on a daily basis, and we take pride in offering a top-tier customer service structure to help  businesses and entrepreneurs succeed in managing their operational risks, save and protect their assets.

Vehicles we insure

• Ambulance
• Non-Emergency Stretcher Van
• Ambulatory Van
• Wheelchair Van
• Mini-Bus
• Medical Cars (sedans)
• Shuttle buses (for large groups)
• Limousines / Black car services
• Public Livery
• Church Vans

Eligible Classes

• Ambulette Operation
• Alternatives providers as part of transit
• Municipal Entities and/or Private Contractors
• Non-Emergency Hospital Transport

Our experienced professionals are dedicated to providing commercial insurance coverage for businesses in Florida as well as Georgia, Texas, and now many other states across the U.S.A. If you have questions about business insurance, or any other commercial insurance aspects, please do not hesitate to visit us online at Garzor Insurance, or you may want to call us directly at (321) 206-8035.

Oscar Pacheco

Insurance Agent - Transportation Specialist