Why Minnesota Has Unique NEMTNEMT — Non-Emergency Medical TransportationTransportation services for Medicaid beneficiaries and other patients who need to get to and from medical appointments but do not require emergency ambulance…View in glossary → Requirements
Minnesota stands apart from most states because it requires NEMT providers to obtain Special Transportation Service (STSSTSSpecial Transportation Service — Minnesota state certification required by MnDOT for all NEMT providers. Must be obtained before contracting with MCOs or…View in glossary →) certification from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOTMnDOTMinnesota Department of Transportation — administers the Special Transportation Service (STS) certification program for NEMT providers. Maintains vehicle lists…View in glossary →). This is a state-specific certification that goes beyond standard MedicaidMedicaidThe joint federal-state health insurance program for low-income individuals. Medicaid is the primary payer for NEMT services. Each state administers its own…View in glossary → enrollment — if you don't have STS certification, you cannot transport Minnesota Medicaid members.
The Department of Human Services (DHS) administers Medical Assistance (Minnesota's Medicaid program) covering over 1.2 million members. The state uses a combination of managed care and fee-for-service delivery, with NEMT as a covered benefit under both systems.
Understanding Minnesota's NEMT Model
Minnesota uses a managed care system for most Medicaid members, with MCOs responsible for NEMT as a carved-in benefit. MCOs contract with transportation brokers or manage NEMT internally.
Critical Requirement: All NEMT providers must hold current MnDOT STS certification AND maintain a current vehicle list with MnDOT. This is verified by brokers and MCOs before contracting.
Fee-for-Service: FFS members access NEMT through DHS-contracted brokers.
Managed Care: Members in health plans like Blue Plus, HealthPartners, Hennepin Health, and UCare receive NEMT through their plan's transportation benefit.
Step 1: Obtain MnDOT STS Certification
This is the critical first step unique to Minnesota:
Apply through MnDOT's Office of Transit and Active Transportation.
Complete required STS training covering passenger safety, ADAADA — Americans with Disabilities ActFederal civil rights law requiring transportation providers to accommodate passengers with disabilities. For NEMT, this means wheelchair-accessible vehicles,…View in glossary → compliance, vehicle standards, and operational procedures.
Submit your vehicle list — MnDOT requires a current, maintained vehicle list for all STS-certified providers.
Meet vehicle inspection and insurance requirements per MnDOT standards.
STS certification must be renewed and vehicle lists kept current. Lapsed certification means immediate loss of ability to bill for Medicaid NEMT.
Step 2: Form Business and Enroll with DHS
Business Formation: File with the Minnesota Secretary of State. LLCLLC — Limited Liability CompanyThe most common business structure for NEMT startups. An LLC protects your personal assets from business debts and lawsuits while offering flexible tax…View in glossary → filing fee is $155 online. No annual report requirement for LLCs (renewals are filed for a small fee).
DHS Enrollment: Enroll as a Medicaid transportation provider through the DHS provider enrollment system. Your STS certification number is required for enrollment.
Step 3: Contract with MCOMCO — Managed Care OrganizationA health insurance company that contracts with a state Medicaid agency to manage benefits for enrolled members. Many states use MCOs to administer NEMT…View in glossary → Brokers
Contact each MCO's transportation department to enroll as a network provider. Major Minnesota MCOs include Blue Plus, HealthPartners, Hennepin Health, UCare, and South Country Health Alliance. Each may use different brokers or internal transportation management.
Step 4: Vehicle and Driver Standards
MnDOT STS standards cover both vehicles and drivers. Valid MN license, background check, drug testing, CPR/First Aid, wheelchair securement training, and STS-specific training. Vehicles must passPASS — Passenger Assistance Safety and SensitivityA nationally recognized training program administered by the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA). Covers passenger assistance techniques,…View in glossary → MnDOT inspection standards and be on your current STS vehicle list.
Insurance: Commercial auto ($1M+ CSL), general liability, workers' comp. Budget $8,000–$14,000 per vehicle — Minnesota insurance costs are moderate-to-high.
Geographic Strategy
Twin Cities Metro (Minneapolis–St. Paul): Highest volume — Mayo Clinic, Allina Health, Fairview, Hennepin Healthcare. Dense urban market with strong transit infrastructure. Rochester: Mayo Clinic headquarters drives significant medical travel from across the region. Duluth: Regional hub for northern Minnesota with growing elderly population. Greater Minnesota (rural): Vast distances, limited providers, strong need — particularly for specialty transport to Twin Cities medical centers.
Key Contacts
MnDOT STS Certification: dot.state.mn.us — Office of Transit and Active Transportation.
MN DHS: mn.gov/dhs — Medical Assistance provider enrollment.
MN Secretary of State: sos.state.mn.us — business formation.
Ready to Launch?
Minnesota's STS certification requirement creates a higher barrier to entry — which also means less competition for certified providers. Our complete Minnesota NEMT Startup Package walks you through MnDOT STS certification, DHS enrollment, MCO broker contracting, and financial projections for both the Twin Cities metro and Greater Minnesota.