Rachel Scholler - NEMT Growth Consultants

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.

10/19/2026

What NEMT Operators Should Be Watching This Week

A new state audit, a $3 million transportation grant opportunity, and several important Medicaid transportation changes are on the radar this week.

Heres whats happening across the country.

MICHIGAN — NEMT oversight concerns identified

A new state audit found continuing weaknesses in Michigans oversight of Medicaid transportation, including provider-record reviews and verification of broker-reported performance.

Michigan is also accepting proposals for its next fee-for-service NEMT broker, with the possibility of expanding brokerage statewide.

No statewide expansion decision has been announced.

For operators, this is another reminder of how important accurate records, credentialing and accountability have become.

KANSAS — $3 million rural transportation grant opportunity
Kansas opened applications October 16 for grants supporting rural non-emergency transportation.

Funding could help expand transportation capacity, purchase vehicles and improve scheduling and coordination.

Applications are due November 18, with funding contingent on CMS approval.

This could be a meaningful opportunity for rural transportation providers and healthcare organizations looking to improve access to care.

IOWA — Medicaid transportation coverage could expand
Iowa has proposed extending NEMT coverage to its Iowa Health and Wellness Plan population beginning January 1, 2027.

If approved, this could create additional transportation demand and new opportunities for providers.

Final approval and implementation still need to be confirmed.

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

What changes are you seeing in your state that other NEMT operators should be aware of?

I'll be back Thursday with a look at several upcoming broker transitions we're continuing to watch.

10/14/2026

What NEMT Operators Should Be Watching This Week

More changes across Medicaid transportation this week, from broker transitions to reimbursement and provider compliance.

Here's what's happening:

MICHIGAN — Another transportation vendor change

Molina Healthcare of Michigan transitioned to SafeRide Health on October 1.

This isn't a statewide broker change, but it's an important reminder that individual health plans can change transportation vendors, potentially affecting where your trips come from.

MINNESOTA — NEMT mileage rates increased

Effective October 1, Minnesota increased several state-administered NEMT mileage rates.

Wheelchair transportation went from $1.80 to $1.92 per mile, while protected and stretcher transportation increased from $2.54 to $2.71.

Keep in mind, state reimbursement rates aren't necessarily what you're receiving under your broker contract. Know your actual numbers!

NORTH CAROLINA — Medicaid compliance updates

NC Medicaid began conducting certain provider site visits without advance scheduling on October 1.

The state is also reminding providers to stay current with reverification requirements to avoid potential suspension or termination.

These aren't NEMT-specific changes, but transportation providers subject to these requirements should be paying attention.

NEW MEXICO — Broker transition coming November 1

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

Operators should confirm their network status and understand how the transition may affect their business.

Here's what I want operators to think about this week:

You can have vehicles running all day, a full dispatch board and plenty of trips coming in.

But how much of that business depends on one payer, one broker or one contract?

And do you really know what you're making on those trips?

Being busy and being financially secure aren't necessarily the same thing.

Understanding your numbers and where your business comes from is just as important as keeping your vehicles on the road.

10/13/2026

In 2008, a transportation company told me 18 miles was too far to drive my grandfather to dialysis.

I hung up the phone angry.

Then I bought two vans.

I certainly didn’t know that decision would turn into the next 17 years of my life.

My grandfather was like a father to me. I wasn’t trying to become an entrepreneur or build something I could eventually sell. I saw a problem affecting someone I loved and decided to fix it.

Those two vans eventually became Lakeshore Transportation, a company providing more than 100 trips a day, with a team I was incredibly proud of and a business that became worth far more than I ever imagined when I started it.

But there was another side to that growth.

The business ran on a whole lot of my stubbornness.

In the beginning, that’s almost a superpower. You figure things out. You solve the problem. You do whatever needs to be done because nobody cares about the business quite like you do.

That works for a long time.

Until you want the business to work without you.

One of the biggest lessons I learned preparing for my own exit was that the things that make you a successful founder aren’t always the same things that make your company transferable.

Eventually, your job has to change from being the person who makes everything work to building a business that can work without you.

For the business owners who have been at this for a while, what’s something you still do simply because you’ve always been the one to do it?

10/08/2026

Ohio NEMT is changing — and this one is bigger than GPS.

Ohio Senate Bill 315 takes effect October 6, 2026, bringing new attention to how non-emergency medical transportation is documented and verified.

There's been a lot of discussion about GPS requirements, but I think the bigger story is accountability.

The legislation addresses GPS coordinates, timestamps, and the documentation needed to connect transportation services with Medicaid payments.

Why does this matter?

Because GPS can tell us where a vehicle traveled. It doesn't necessarily tell us whether the patient had a scheduled appointment, whether that appointment was canceled, or whether the transportation was medically necessary.

Those are important distinctions when we're talking about fraud, waste, and abuse.

**One clarification for Ohio providers:** The October 6 effective date does not mean every transportation provider must immediately purchase or implement a new GPS system. Implementation requirements and timelines matter.

My advice to providers is simple: Understand the legislation, review your documentation practices, and pay attention to guidance from Ohio Medicaid.

Prepare now. Don't panic-buy technology.

The NEMT industry is moving toward greater verification and accountability. Providers who understand where these changes are headed will be better positioned for what's next.