How Much Do NEMT Providers Get Paid?
Written by Rachel Scholler
Founder, NEMT Growth Consultants
www.nemtgc.com
Why Everyone Asks This Question
Starting an NEMT business looks appealing — but the first question most people have is: “How much can I make?” The answer depends on your contracts, state, and business model.
Payment Sources for NEMT
- Medicaid: Most states cover NEMT through Medicaid. Payment is often by mileage, loaded trip, or per-ride fee.
- Brokers (ModivCare, MTM, etc.): States often outsource to brokers. Rates vary by broker, state, and ride type.
- Private Pay: Families or facilities may pay directly. Rates are usually higher but depend on your market.
What Providers Typically Earn
Rates vary widely across the U.S. depending on state, payer, and service type:
– In some states, ambulatory trips may only pay $15–$25 each way.
– In higher-paying states like Florida or New York, wheelchair trips can exceed $100 each way.
– Mileage rates may run $1–$2 per mile under certain contracts.
– Private pay or facility contracts can pay even more, since you set the rate.
The key isn’t chasing the “highest rate” — it’s knowing your state’s pay structure and building efficiency into your operations so your profit margin holds.
Real Example
A provider running 5 vans under a broker contract averaged $22 per trip. With 25 trips per day, 5 days a week, monthly revenue topped $11,000 per vehicle. The difference between breaking even and profiting came down to systems and efficiency.
Quick Checklist
– Do I know my state’s Medicaid and broker rates?
– Do I have private-pay pricing ready?
– Am I tracking cost per mile?
– Do I have a plan for scaling profitably?
Final Thought
NEMT income varies — but with contracts, cost control, and smart growth, it can be a highly profitable business.
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