Rachel Scholler - NEMT Growth Consultants

11/06/2026

Burnout in the NEMT industry doesn't always look like someone who's ready to quit.

Sometimes it looks like an owner who's still getting everything done.

The vehicles are running. Trips are being completed. Employees are getting paid. The business is growing.

But behind the scenes, that owner is handling driver call-offs, scheduling changes, broker issues, customer complaints, vehicle problems, and whatever else comes up.

Every single day.

I know that life well.

When you're building a transportation company, you get used to being the person who figures everything out.

And for a long time, that ability is what keeps the business moving forward.

But there's a difference between being capable of handling everything and needing to handle everything.

That's where a lot of NEMT owners get stuck.

They've built a successful operation, but they've also built a company that depends on their constant availability.

The business may be profitable, but the owner has very little freedom.

And eventually, that exhaustion can start influencing decisions.

I've seen owners become so tired of running their companies that they start thinking about selling simply because they want relief.

That's not the position you want to be in when making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.

Whether your goal is to grow, step back from daily operations, or eventually sell, start building a company that doesn't require you to solve every problem.

Develop your people.

Document your processes.

Give employees the ability to make decisions.

And recognize that being needed for everything isn't necessarily a sign of a healthy business.

Sometimes it's a sign that something needs to change.

11/05/2026

NEMT Industry Brief | November 5, 2026
Part 2: Brokerage Contracts, Reimbursement & Verification

Four states have developments worth watching as Medicaid transportation programs continue to evolve.

MICHIGAN | Brokerage RFP

Michigan's Medicaid fee-for-service NEMT brokerage RFP closes November 6.

The solicitation covers Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties, with an additional statewide pricing option.

That doesn't guarantee statewide expansion, but it creates the possibility of a broader brokerage model.

Recent audit findings have also raised concerns about provider eligibility verification and broker oversight.

LOUISIANA | Rates & Procurement

Louisiana enacted legislation establishing a minimum NEMT reimbursement methodology of $14.50 per trip and $2.10 per mile, along with provisions for certain additional trips.

However, legislation and implementation are not the same thing. Providers should not assume those rates are already reflected in broker payments.

Louisiana also has a Medicaid fee-for-service transportation brokerage procurement underway, with proposals scheduled to open November 24.

WISCONSIN | Broker Transition

Wisconsin DHS previously announced its intent to select Verida as the next statewide NEMT vendor.

A confirmed transition date has not been publicly announced by DHS.

MTM remains the current transportation manager. Providers should continue following existing procedures until official transition instructions are issued.

OHIO | Electronic Verification

Ohio's Senate Bill 315 took effect October 6, establishing requirements for electronic verification of Medicaid NEMT services.

The legislation addresses GPS-based verification of transportation events and future matching of transportation records with Medicaid healthcare claims.

Implementation is phased, so the effective date does not mean every provider must already have a new verification system operating.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Across these states, the focus is increasingly on contract oversight, reimbursement, accurate documentation, and verification.

For NEMT operators, staying informed is important. Understanding how these changes affect your daily operations is even more important.

I'll continue tracking developments as states release additional guidance.

11/03/2026

When you run an NEMT company, stepping in yourself can feel like the fastest way to keep the day moving. At Lakeshore, that became a habit for me.

But a team needs opportunities to learn, take responsibility, and solve problems without everything coming back to the owner.

I’m still reminding myself that being capable of carrying something doesn’t mean I need to keep carrying it.

Thank you, Influential Women for including my perspective.

11/02/2026

NEMT Industry Brief | November 2, 2026
Provider Compliance, Broker Changes & Transportation Technology

Several developments across the country deserve attention from NEMT operators this week, particularly those involving Medicaid enrollment, broker transitions, and transportation technology.

Here's what providers should know.

ILLINOIS | Medicaid Provider Revalidation

Illinois is implementing more frequent Medicaid enrollment revalidations for certain provider categories, including high-risk providers.

NEMT operators should review their IMPACT enrollment records, required documentation, and contact information. Providers should monitor official notices rather than submit early revalidations.

An enrollment lapse can disrupt reimbursement even when a transportation company is otherwise operating in compliance.

TEXAS & MONTANA | Increased Enrollment Oversight

Both states are conducting targeted Medicaid provider enrollment reviews and revalidations.

These developments reinforce the importance of keeping ownership information, insurance, licenses, and provider contact information current.

Providers should verify whether they're included in an accelerated review cycle rather than assume every transportation company has the same deadline.

NEW MEXICO | Transportation Broker Transition

Effective November 1, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico transitioned Medicaid transportation coordination from Modivcare to MTM Health.

Providers serving affected members should confirm network participation, recurring-trip arrangements, authorization procedures, and reimbursement processes.

This change applies to the affected health plan, not every Medicaid transportation arrangement statewide.

CONNECTICUT | Healthcare Transportation Technology

Hartford HealthCare announced a transition from Ride Health to Roundtrip for its transportation coordination program, effective November 16.

The organization cited improvements in vehicle tracking, wait times, cancellations, and reporting among its goals.

This is another example of healthcare organizations evaluating transportation services on more than simply whether a ride can be arranged.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Across these developments, one theme continues to emerge: operational readiness matters.

Maintaining accurate enrollment records, understanding broker requirements, and investing in reliable transportation systems are increasingly important to protecting both service continuity and revenue.

I'll be sharing Part 2 later this week, covering Michigan's approaching brokerage procurement deadline and additional developments in Louisiana, Wisconsin, and Ohio.

10/29/2026

Michigan's Latest NEMT Audit Raises Questions Every Transportation Provider Should Be Asking

On October 13, Michigan's Office of the Auditor General released its follow-up audit of Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation.

The findings deserve attention well beyond Michigan.

The audit identified continued weaknesses in provider eligibility verification, broker oversight, and monitoring procedures.

These aren't simply administrative concerns. They affect the integrity of Medicaid transportation programs and the accountability of everyone involved.

Having spent 17 years operating an NEMT company, I understand how much documentation, credentialing, and oversight go into running a compliant transportation operation.

But I also understand the difference between having policies in place and consistently following them.

And that distinction matters.

Here's what I believe transportation operators should take away from Michigan's findings:

1. Compliance cannot be an afterthought.

Driver credentials, vehicle inspections, insurance, enrollment requirements, and trip documentation should be maintained continuously, not scrambled together when an audit is announced.

2. Broker oversight matters just as much as provider oversight.

Transportation providers are routinely held accountable for performance standards. Brokers and state agencies should be subject to meaningful oversight as well.

3. Documentation must support what actually happened.

A completed trip record should be accurate, defensible, and supported by reliable information. Incomplete or inconsistent records create unnecessary financial and compliance exposure.

4. Corrective action must result in actual improvement.

Identifying a deficiency is only the beginning. Without consistent follow-through, the same problems can continue for years.

Michigan is also actively procuring NEMT brokerage services, with proposals currently due November 6.

For operators, this creates another reason to review their compliance practices and prepare for potential contractual changes.

My takeaway?

A successful NEMT operation isn't measured solely by how many trips it completes.

It's measured by whether those trips are performed safely, documented accurately, and supported by systems that can withstand scrutiny.

If your company were audited tomorrow, how confident would you be in your documentation?

Send a message to learn more

10/28/2026

Ohio NEMT Providers: Are You Prepared for the New Electronic Verification Requirements?

Ohio is making significant changes to how Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services are verified.

Senate Bill 315 took effect October 6, 2026, establishing a phased approach to electronic trip verification and increased oversight of Medicaid transportation services.

For transportation business owners, this is something worth paying attention to now.

What does the new law mean?

Ohio is moving toward an electronic verification system that includes:

• GPS coordinates to document transportation activity.

• Electronic timestamps, routes, and mileage.

• Verification data to support Medicaid reimbursement.

• Systems to identify discrepancies and potentially fraudulent transportation claims.

• Cross-referencing transportation records with Medicaid healthcare claims.

Why does this matter to NEMT operators?

Because the way you document transportation services could increasingly affect whether and when you get paid.

And while electronic verification can improve accountability, it also creates operational considerations.

What happens when GPS signals fail?

What if a medical appointment is canceled after the driver has already arrived?

What happens when the transportation record and healthcare claim don't match because of a billing delay?

These are legitimate situations transportation providers encounter every day.

Having operated an NEMT company for 17 years, I understand that compliance requirements need to work in real-world transportation operations, not just on paper.

What should Ohio providers be doing now?

Review your current dispatch and GPS technology. Make sure your driver and trip documentation is accurate and consistent. Talk with your software vendor about its ability to support new verification requirements as they're implemented.

And perhaps most importantly, don't wait until a new requirement affects reimbursement before evaluating your systems.

One important clarification:

Although the legislation is effective, implementation is phased. Not every verification or payment requirement applies immediately.

Ohio providers: Have you started discussing these changes with your dispatch software company or transportation partners?

Send a message to learn more

10/28/2026

If you own an NEMT company, do you know what your business is actually worth?

I thought I had a pretty good understanding of mine.

After 17 years of building Lakeshore Transportation, I knew our revenue, expenses, contracts, routes, and daily operations.

But when I started exploring a sale, I learned that knowing your business and knowing how a buyer will value it are two very different things.

The first broker I worked with didn't fully understand our operating model, particularly the value of our recurring, multi-load transportation routes.

A second broker understood what we'd built.

The difference in valuation was approximately 30%.

Think about that.

Same company. Same operations. Very different understanding of its value.

For NEMT providers, there are several things that can influence what a buyer is willing to pay.

Recurring transportation volume matters, but so does the stability of those relationships.

Consistent financial reporting matters.

Your reliance on a single broker, facility, or payer matters.

And whether the company can operate without you personally managing every detail matters.

Revenue alone doesn't tell the whole story.

Neither does the number of vehicles in your fleet.

If you're building an NEMT company you may eventually want to sell, start paying attention to these things now.

Even if selling isn't on your radar, understanding what creates value can help you make better decisions about how you operate and grow.

A successful transportation company isn't necessarily a valuable one in a buyer's eyes.

The goal is to build both.

10/26/2026

Several states are moving forward with significant changes to Medicaid transportation programs, broker contracts, and oversight requirements.

Here's what NEMT providers should be watching.

MICHIGAN | Audit Findings & Active Brokerage RFP
Michigan's Office of the Auditor General released its NEMT follow-up audit on October 13, identifying continued weaknesses in provider eligibility verification and broker oversight.

Meanwhile, Michigan has an active NEMT brokerage RFP, with proposals initially due October 30. However, the deadline has now been extended to November 6th, 2026.

The procurement initially covers Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties, with potential statewide expansion.

COLORADO | Statewide Broker Transition
Colorado is preparing to expand MediDrive's NEMT brokerage services statewide January 1, 2027.

Beginning December 1, members outside the Denver metro area will schedule rides through MediDrive for appointments occurring January 1 or later.

Providers should be reviewing network participation, credentialing, dispatch procedures, and payment processes now.

LOUISIANA | New Brokerage Procurement
Louisiana issued a solicitation October 15 for a Medicaid fee-for-service (FFS) transportation broker. The bid opening is scheduled for November 24.

Although no contractor change has been announced, this procurement warrants attention from transportation providers and industry partners.

NEW MEXICO | Broker Transition
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico is transitioning Medicaid transportation coordination to MTM Health effective November 1.

Affected providers should verify network participation, recurring transportation arrangements, and billing procedures.

WISCONSIN | Contract Uncertainty Continues
Wisconsin previously announced its intent to select Verida as its next NEMT vendor.

However, DHS has not publicly established a transition date, and MTM remains the current operating broker.

Providers should continue monitoring official announcements while maintaining current contractual requirements.

The Bigger Picture
Across the country, Medicaid transportation continues to evolve through broker transitions, increased oversight, and changing compliance expectations.

For transportation business owners, staying informed isn't enough. Understanding how these developments affect your operations, contracts, and financial performance is essential.

I'll be taking a closer look at Michigan's recent audit findings later this week and what they mean for NEMT operators nationwide.

10/22/2026

I sold my business in March 2025. It took me about a year to realize how much I needed to decompress.

Around May or June of this year, I started noticing little things. I was sleeping later (past 4:30 am). Dreaming again. Feeling better overall.

The sale had happened 15 months before, but I was still learning how to slow down.

This past week, Matt and I spent time in Oregon with Keith, and Joey flew out to join us.
We spent time on the coast, took in incredible views, and enjoyed pizza Keith made outside. We missed Abbie, who couldn’t make it because of her new job.

There were also two bobcats near the hot tub. Beautiful, but I was perfectly happy admiring them from a distance. 😂

What stayed with me most was how good it felt to have that time with family and enjoy the life I had worked so hard to build.

When you spend years responsible for a business, its employees, and everything that can go wrong, that responsibility becomes familiar. Letting go can take longer than you expect.

I’m excited about what I’m building next. I’m also learning to appreciate having room for days like these.

This is the part of life after a sale that deserves more conversation. The wire hits on day one. Finding your own pace again can take much longer. Thank God, I've finally found it!❤️

10/21/2026

What NEMT Operators should be watching this week:

COLORADO — Statewide broker transition approaching

Colorado continues preparing for MediDrive to take over statewide NEMT brokerage January 1, 2027.

Provider enrollment reopened October 1 following the moratorium.

Operators should be reviewing network requirements, reimbursement and contracting as the transition approaches.

NEW MEXICO — November 1 broker change

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico Medicaid transportation is transitioning from Modivcare to MTM Health November 1.

Providers should confirm their network status and understand how the transition could affect their existing trips.

WISCONSIN — Still watching the broker transition

Verida remains the intended next statewide NEMT vendor, but no confirmed transition date has been announced.

For Wisconsin providers, preparation makes sense. Acting on rumors doesn't.

My takeaway this week?

Whether it's a new broker, expanded coverage, additional funding or increased oversight, these changes can have a significant impact on transportation businesses.

And not every change is a negative one. Some create opportunities for operators who are paying attention.

I've always believed that understanding what's happening beyond your own service area is part of running a stronger business.

Because what we're seeing in one state today may be what operators in another state are dealing with tomorrow.