ORLANDO, Fla.— We’re all getting older, but those over 65 are the fastest growing part of the population. In fact, the number of Americans ages 65 and older is projected to more than double from 46 million today to over 98 million by 2060, and the 65-and-older age group’s share of the total population will rise to nearly 24 percent from 15 percent.
Approximately 3.6 Millions of senior Americans miss or delay medical care because they lack appropriate transportation to their appointments. Many low-income Americans lack the disposable income necessary to have access to a working automobile, and may lack public transit options to get to and from medical appointments. Medicaid provides a non-emergency medical transportation benefit that pays for the least costly and appropriate way of getting people to their appointments whether by taxi, van, public transit or mileage reimbursement.
A non-emergency medical transportation business is a rewarding business opportunity that provides a valuable service to seniors who no longer drive a vehicle and this type of transportation service would come in handy. You can look at it as a taxi service aimed primarily at seniors. But you do need to have a few things in place before you can launch your non-emergency medical transportation business.
You will require a business license and any other documentation that allows you to operate your non-emergency medical transportation business in and around your community. Non-emergency transportation providers in the state of Florida must be properly licensed and regulated in order to safeguard passengers and other people utilizing public roadways. All providers must obtain a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. This certificate is for services that provide transportation to persons using wheelchairs, stretchers or anyone that has incapacitations that make it challenging for them to be transported by a regular carrier. It also includes patients that require medical attention while en route.
There is an extensive review process that takes place prior to approving a company to provide non-emergency medical transportation. The review process isn’t short; in fact, it takes between 3 and 6 months to get back a response after sending in your application. During this time, the appropriate background checks are run and all aspects of the application are analyzed to ensure the company meets all standards and regulations.
Once an application passes through all of this, it is sent for submission to the Board of County Commissioners. A sub-committee of the Board overviews the application before it is introduced to the full Board of County Commissioners. This secondary hearing is public and allows for public comment. Following the hearing, the Board votes to approve or veto the application.
Insurance wise, Non-Emergency Medical Transportation is traditionally a segment of the market that local agencies shy away from. At Garzor Insurance, non-emergency medical transportation is our specialty.
We understand that NEMT in Florida is unique and your protection needs do not fit into the standard offerings, which is why we pull quotes from multiple carriers and customize para transit insurance policies to fit your business needs. We’ll protect you so you can protect your passengers.
For personal insurance solutions check out our sister company Orlando Insurance Center