How to start a NEMT business in the District of Columbia: MTM, Verida, health plans, and WMATC
Most DC Medicaid rides come from health plans, not the District's broker. DHCF's broker contract counts about 220,000 of roughly 250,000 enrollees in managed care plans, and those plans arrange their own rides: MedStar Family Choice DC through Access2Care, HSCSN through Verida, and AmeriHealth Caritas DC through its own transportation line. DHCF's broker, MTM Health, covers fee-for-service and IDD waiver members, and the District has asked the Council to keep MTM in place through December 31, 2026 while MTM's protest of the Verida award is decided. Van operators need a WMATC Certificate of Authority.
District of Columbia NEMT at a glance
- Runs the program
- DC Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF)
- Program
- DC Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)
- How rides are arranged
- Health plans each contract a broker. Managed care plans arrange rides for their members. DHCF's broker, MTM Health, covers fee-for-service and IDD waiver members.
- Brokers you will contract with
- MTM Health (fee-for-service and IDD waiver), Access2Care (MedStar Family Choice DC), Verida (HSCSN), AmeriHealth Caritas DC transportation line
- State operating license
- No DC NEMT license. Van operators carrying passengers for hire in the Washington area need a WMATC Certificate of Authority.
- EVV for NEMT trips
- Not required
- Medicaid enrollment
- 238,011 (May 2026, Medicaid and CHIP)
On this page
How Medicaid NEMT works in the District of Columbia
DHCF pays for NEMT two ways. Managed care members get rides from their health plan, and DHCF's broker contract excludes them. It also excludes members eligible as Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries and children covered through CHIP. The broker serves fee-for-service members, about 40,000 to 50,000 a month, plus about 1,900 members of the IDD waiver.
MTM Health has run DHCF's fee-for-service NEMT for more than a decade and has held its current contract, CW89317, since April 10, 2021. Members call MTM at 1-866-796-0601 at least three business days before the appointment, and MTM arranges rides within DC, Montgomery and Prince George's counties, Fairfax and Arlington counties, and Alexandria. DHCF moved its Medicaid claims system to Gainwell Technologies on March 2, 2026.
The broker contract is changing hands slowly. The District awarded the next contract, CW135340, to Verida after a solicitation that closed November 19, 2025. The Council deemed it approved on July 6, 2026, and the contracting officer signed it on July 7 for a term starting October 1, 2026. On August 5, 2026, MTM filed a protest challenging the evaluation (CAB No. P-1231), and on August 6 the contracting officer issued a stop-work order on the Verida contract. On September 16, 2026, the Mayor sent the Council a sole-source extension of MTM's contract for October 1 through December 31, 2026 (CA26-1002).
Governing rule:DC Council CA26-0885: Proposed Contract No. CW135340 with Verida, Inc. (broker contract)
Who brokers Medicaid rides in the District of Columbia
Four arrangements send DC Medicaid trips, and each has its own contract. Most volume sits with the health plans, so a fleet serving only the fee-for-service broker sees a small share of DC Medicaid riders.
| Broker | Serves | Provider sign-up |
|---|---|---|
| MTM Health | DC Medicaid fee-for-service members and IDD waiver members (DHCF broker contract CW89317).Since April 10, 2021 (current contract). As of September 23, 2026: the current extension ends September 30, 2026. A further extension through December 31, 2026 (CA26-1002) is before the Council and will be deemed approved on September 27, 2026 unless a resolution of approval or disapproval is introduced. | Provider pageMember rides 1-866-796-0601 |
| Verida | Health Services for Children with Special Needs (HSCSN) members. Holds DHCF's next fee-for-service and IDD broker contract (CW135340), with a term set for October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.The contracting officer issued a stop-work order on the contract on August 6, 2026, the day after MTM's protest (CAB No. P-1231). The protest was still pending as of September 16, 2026. | Provider pageProvider line 866-991-5433 |
| Access2Care | MedStar Family Choice DC members. MTM Health agreed to acquire Access2Care's NEMT business in August 2024. | Member rides 866-201-9974 |
| AmeriHealth Caritas DC transportation line | AmeriHealth Caritas DC members, including former Wellpoint DC members assigned on August 1, 2026. Members book and check on rides through the plan's transportation line. | Rides and ride status 1-800-315-3485 |
Wellpoint DC left DC Medicaid managed care on July 31, 2026. Its members were assigned to AmeriHealth Caritas DC on August 1, 2026, and can switch to MedStar Family Choice DC until January 31, 2027. DC Healthy Families now has two plans: AmeriHealth Caritas DC and MedStar Family Choice DC.
The Verida contract pays the broker a fixed $38.87 per fee-for-service member per month and $446.87 per IDD member per month. Transportation providers are paid under their own Transportation Provider Service Agreement with the broker, not those rates, and the contract sets a 30-business-day limit for paying undisputed invoices unless that agreement sets other terms. Verida's subcontracting plan sets aside 35 percent of the contract, $11,996,910, under DC's small business rules, which favor certified small and local businesses.
How to become a NEMT provider in the District of Columbia
In DC the operating authority comes from WMATC, the regional transit commission, not a Medicaid license. After that, you contract separately with the broker and with each health plan's ride vendor.
Get a WMATC Certificate of Authority
Apply to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Commission. After a conditional grant, you have 180 days to file a vehicle list, for-hire registrations (DC B tags, Maryland B or P tags, or Virginia H tags), proof of a safety inspection in the past year, a WMATC inspection of each vehicle, a tariff, and your insurer's WMATC endorsement. Operating before the certificate is issued is punishable by fines up to $5,000 a day.
Carry WMATC-level insurance
A certificate restricted to vehicles seating 15 or fewer, including the driver, needs $1.5 million combined single limit coverage. An unrestricted certificate needs $5 million. Your insurer files the coverage on WMATC's Certificate of Insurance and Policy Endorsement form. ACORD forms, ordinary insurance certificates, and Form E filings are rejected.
Contract with the fee-for-service broker
MTM Health contracts transportation providers for DHCF's fee-for-service program while its contract runs. DHCF's 2026 broker contract requires network providers licensed by WMATC and active in its database, insured with the broker named on the policy, and covered by workers compensation if they have two or more full-time employees.
Join the health plans' ride networks
Most DC Medicaid rides come from plans. MedStar Family Choice DC uses Access2Care, HSCSN uses Verida, and AmeriHealth Caritas DC books rides through its transportation line. Verida takes a Request for Qualifications and vehicle list, and checks your business license, liability insurance, driver credentials, criminal background checks, drug screens, and driving records.
Check DC Medicaid enrollment
DC Medicaid's website sends providers to the PDMS portal to enroll. DHCF's 2026 broker contract has the broker sign companies already active in the District's Medicaid NEMT program for out-of-District return trips, so ask each broker or plan whether it needs your company enrolled before it signs you.
Vehicle and driver requirements in the District of Columbia
WMATC sets the operating rules for vans in the Washington area. DHCF's 2026 broker contract adds a long list of vehicle and driver standards that the broker must enforce on its network.
Vehicles
| Requirement | State rule | Broker contract |
|---|---|---|
| Operating authority | WMATC Certificate of Authority to carry passengers for hire in the Washington Metropolitan District. | Broker selects WMATC-licensed providers and keeps each vehicle's WMATC status on file. |
| Inspection | For-hire safety inspection within the past 12 months and a WMATC inspection before service. In vehicles seating 8 or fewer, drivers check brakes, lights, and other safety items before each day's first trip (WMATC Regulation 64-02). | Current inspection for the state of registration plus D.C. Code Title 50 requirements before service. |
| Vehicle age | WMATC's regulations set no age limit. | No vehicle older than 10 years. Wheelchair vans no older than eight years. |
| Wheelchair vans | Lifts or ramps and securement devices that meet the ADA vehicle specifications in 49 CFR Part 38 (WMATC Regulation 64-03). | At least 56 inches of floor-to-ceiling clearance and a lift interlock that keeps the van in park with the brake set while the lift is deployed. |
| Equipment | Federal motor carrier safety rules apply to WMATC vehicles seating 9 or more, including the driver. | Two-way radio or cell phone (pagers not accepted), working heat and air conditioning, two stocked first aid kits, a spill kit, seat belt extensions, and a seat belt cutter. |
Drivers
| Requirement | State rule | Broker contract |
|---|---|---|
| Age and license | At least 21 with a valid license from the driver's state of residence (WMATC Regulation 64-02, vehicles seating 8 or fewer). | At least 21, with a DC, Maryland, or Virginia license not revoked or suspended in the past five years. |
| Driving record | Certified 10-year driving record before hire and every 12 months after. Disqualified for offenses such as impaired driving or leaving the scene of an accident (WMATC Regulation 64-02). | Three-year driving record on file. Fewer than three moving violations or accidents in the past seven years. Two at-fault violations or accidents in 12 months removes a driver from service. |
| Criminal history | Certified criminal history from each state lived in over the past 10 years before hire, then every 12 months (WMATC Regulation 64-02, vehicles seating 8 or fewer). | FBI and federal background checks before service and every year. No listed violent, sexual, theft, fraud, or drug distribution convictions in seven years, and no felony during the contract. |
| Drug testing | Federal drug and alcohol testing rules apply to WMATC vehicles seating 16 or more, including the driver. | Negative drug screen before service and random screens at least quarterly, paid by the broker. |
| Training | Driver must be able to read and speak English well enough to deal with the public (WMATC Regulation 64-02). | Current First Aid and CPR certificates at the driver's own cost, plus broker training before service. |
Insurance minimums in the District of Columbia
WMATC sets the insurance floor for van operators, and it is high. DHCF's broker contract adds its own terms on top.
| Coverage | Minimum | Set by |
|---|---|---|
| WMATC carriers, vehicles seating 15 or fewer (restricted certificate) | $1,500,000 combined single limit per accident | WMATC Regulation 58 |
| WMATC carriers, unrestricted certificate | $5,000,000 combined single limit per accident | WMATC Regulation 58 |
| Broker network providers | $1.5 million general liability, with the broker named on the policy declarations | Broker contract (CW135340) |
| Workers compensation | Required for providers with two or more full-time employees | Broker contract (CW135340) |
Does the District of Columbia require EVV for NEMT?
No. DHCF's EVV program follows the federal 21st Century Cures Act, which covers personal care services and home health services. NEMT is outside it.
The broker checks trips instead. DHCF's broker contract requires vehicle and driver records for every provider, inspections, quarterly random drug screens, and an expiring insurance report, and the broker removes any provider whose coverage lapses. Keep trip times, signatures, and mileage for every ride.
What changed in the District of Columbia in 2025 and 2026
DC Medicaid and CHIP covered 238,011 people in May 2026 (CMS preliminary count). DHCF's broker contract puts about 220,000 enrollees in managed care plans, which arrange rides outside the broker contract.
As of September 23, 2026, the fee-for-service broker contract is in transition. MTM's fourth and final option year ran from April 10, 2025 to April 9, 2026. A sole-source extension through September 30, 2026 (CA26-0656) was deemed approved by the Council on April 5, 2026. Verida won the next contract, but a stop-work order has held it since August 6, 2026 while MTM's protest (CAB No. P-1231) is pending. The Mayor's September 16 filing says the District expects no Contract Appeals Board decision for at least two months, and it asks to extend MTM from October 1 through December 31, 2026 for an estimated $6,051,195 (CA26-1002). That extension will be deemed approved on September 27, 2026 unless a resolution of approval or disapproval is introduced.
The health plan side changed too. Wellpoint DC left on July 31, 2026, and its members moved to AmeriHealth Caritas DC on August 1, with a transition period through October 31, 2026.
MTM's DHCF contract enters its fourth and final option year, through April 9, 2026.
DC issues the NEMT broker solicitation (Doc781928). It closes November 19, 2025 with five proposals.
DHCF moves its Medicaid claims system to Gainwell Technologies.
Sole-source extension keeps MTM as broker through September 30, 2026.
The Council deems the Verida broker contract approved. It is signed July 7.
Wellpoint DC members are assigned to AmeriHealth Caritas DC.
MTM files a protest of the Verida award (CAB No. P-1231). The contracting officer issues a stop-work order on the Verida contract on August 6.
The Mayor sends the Council a sole-source extension of MTM's contract for October 1 through December 31, 2026 (CA26-1002).
CA26-1002 is deemed approved on this date unless a resolution of approval or disapproval is introduced.
Last day for former Wellpoint members to switch from AmeriHealth Caritas DC to MedStar Family Choice DC.
Frequently asked questions
- Who is the NEMT broker in Washington, DC?
- MTM Health is DHCF's broker for fee-for-service and IDD waiver members. Verida won the next broker contract, but a stop-work order has held it since August 6, 2026 while MTM's protest is pending, and the District has asked the Council to extend MTM through December 31, 2026. Managed care members get rides from their plan instead: Access2Care for MedStar Family Choice DC, Verida for HSCSN, and AmeriHealth Caritas DC's transportation line.
- Is Verida taking over DC Medicaid transportation?
- Not yet. Verida holds the new DHCF contract (CW135340), deemed approved by the Council on July 6, 2026 for service from October 1, 2026. MTM filed a protest on August 5, and the contracting officer issued a stop-work order on August 6. On September 16, 2026 the District told the Council it expects no protest decision for at least two months and asked to extend MTM through December 31, 2026. As of September 23, that extension (CA26-1002) will be deemed approved on September 27 unless a resolution of approval or disapproval is introduced.
- Do I need a license to run NEMT in DC?
- DC has no NEMT license. Van companies carrying passengers for hire between points in the Washington area need a WMATC Certificate of Authority, and DHCF's broker contract requires WMATC-licensed providers. Taxicabs and other vehicles for hire fall under DC's Department of For-Hire Vehicles instead.
- What insurance does a DC NEMT provider need?
- A WMATC carrier restricted to vehicles seating 15 or fewer needs $1.5 million combined single limit coverage, and an unrestricted carrier needs $5 million. The coverage must be filed on WMATC's own endorsement form. The broker contract also requires the broker named on your policy and workers compensation if you have two or more full-time employees.
- What are the driver requirements for DC NEMT?
- Under DHCF's broker contract, drivers must be 21 or older and hold a DC, Maryland, or Virginia license with no revocation or suspension in the past five years. They pass FBI background checks before service and every year, test negative on a drug screen before service and on random screens at least quarterly, and keep First Aid and CPR certificates current at their own cost.
- How old can a DC NEMT vehicle be?
- DHCF's broker contract allows no vehicle older than 10 years and no wheelchair van older than eight. Wheelchair vans also need 56 inches of floor-to-ceiling clearance and a lift interlock that holds the van in park while the lift is out.
- How do DC Medicaid members schedule rides?
- Fee-for-service members call MTM at 1-866-796-0601 at least three business days ahead. MedStar Family Choice DC members call Access2Care at 866-201-9974, also three business days ahead for a regular appointment. HSCSN members call Verida at 866-991-5433. AmeriHealth Caritas DC members call 1-800-315-3485 at least 48 hours ahead, not counting weekends and holidays.
- Does DC require EVV for NEMT?
- No. DHCF's EVV program covers personal care and home health services under the 21st Century Cures Act. NEMT runs on broker records, inspections, and drug screening instead.
Running NEMT in the District of Columbia with HealthRide
A DC fleet can carry trips for MTM, a plan vendor like Access2Care, and private-pay riders on the same day, each with its own rules. HealthRide runs them all on one dispatch board and records every payment in one ledger, whichever payer it came from.
Credential expiry reminders warn you before a driver's license or certification lapses, and the driver app records pickup and drop-off times, GPS-recorded miles, and signatures on every leg for broker audits.
Official resources
- DC Council CA26-0885: Proposed Contract No. CW135340 with Verida, Inc.
- DC Council LIMS: CA26-0885
- DC Council CA26-1002: Proposed extension of Contract No. CW89317 with MTM
- DC Council LIMS: CA26-1002
- DC Council CA26-0656: MTM extension, April to September 2026
- DC Council CA26-0083: MTM option year four, 2025 to 2026
- MTM Health: Washington DC non-emergency transportation
- MTM Health: Join the transportation provider network
- MTM Health: DC DHCF re-awards NEMT contract (April 2021)
- Verida: Washington, DC transportation providers
- Verida: Washington, DC members (HSCSN)
- MedStar Family Choice DC: General benefits (transportation)
- AmeriHealth Caritas DC: Transportation benefits
- DHCF: DC Healthy Families
- DHCF: Managed care plan transition
- DHCF Transmittal 26-19: Managed care plan transition
- DC Medicaid provider portal (Gainwell)
- DC Medicaid: Provider enrollment portal (PDMS)
- WMATC: Insurance filing FAQs
- WMATC: Carrier application process FAQs
- WMATC: Jurisdiction FAQs
- WMATC: Rules and regulations
- DHCF: Electronic Visit Verification
- CMS: Medicaid and CHIP monthly enrollment data
HealthRide plans the whole day in one click and bills every ride.
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