5 Reasons to Start a NEMT Business in the U.S.

Have you been thinking about starting a NEMT business in the U.S.? Over 5.8 million people in the U.S. miss or delay medical care each year because they don’t have a ride. 

 

This can lead to:

• Missed appointments
• Seniors with no transportation
• Patients skipping treatments because they just can’t get there

 

It’s frustrating to see the need and feel unsure where to start.

The real gap is knowing what steps to take. You want to launch a NEMT business that helps people and makes a profit, but questions keep piling up. What vehicles do you need? Who pays for rides? What does a NEMT business plan look like? And if you don’t figure it out soon, others will fill the gap in your area.

That’s where we come in.

AVAN Mobility has been building mobile medical vehicles for over 10 years. We’re Ford QVM and Stellantis QPro certified. Our vans are backed by expert engineering and built to reduce barriers to healthcare. We’ve worked with organizations like yours and the Community Clinic of Southwest Missouri all over the country. While we’re confident in what we offer, this article isn’t a sales pitch. It’s here to guide you.

 

In this article, you’ll learn five clear reasons to start a NEMT business in the U.S., including:

1. Growing demand: More people need help getting to medical appointments than ever before.

2. Stability: The economy doesn’t have a huge impact on the NEMT industry.

3. Reliable income: Many NEMT trips are paid for by Medicaid or private insurance.

4. Community impact: You’ll provide life-changing access to care for vulnerable people.

5. Flexible growth: You can scale your NEMT business based on your goals and resources.

 

 

 

 

Why is it a good time to start a NEMT business?

 

There are several reasons why it’s the perfect time to consider starting a NEMT business in the U.S. Let’s take a closer look at that.

 

1. There’s a growing demand for NEMT across the U.S.

If you’re wondering why and how to start a NEMT business, here’s one big reason to take it seriously: the demand is growing fast.

Every day, thousands of people across the U.S. miss medical care because they don’t have a ride. 

 

This includes:

• Seniors who no longer drive
• People with disabilities
• Patients in rural areas with no transit
• People recovering from surgery or illness

 

 

As we mentioned earlier, almost 6 million Americans skip healthcare due to having no ride. 

 

These aren’t one-time trips. Most of these riders need ongoing transport to:

• Dialysis
• Cancer treatments
• Physical therapy
• Mental health support
• Specialist appointments

 

Aging population: The U.S. Census Bureau expects the number of Americans aged 65 and older to reach 80 million by 2040. Many will rely on NEMT for everyday care.

Chronic health conditions are on the rise: The CDC says 6 in 10 U.S. adults live with at least one chronic illness. These people often need help getting to frequent medical visits.

Disability rates: The CDC reports that over 35 million U.S. adults have a mobility-related disability. That’s over 12 percent of the population.

More people need reliable, safe rides to care. Traditional options like public transit, family support, or volunteer drivers can’t always meet the need.

This is where you come in. Starting a NEMT business gives you the chance to help fill that gap while building a business that’s in high demand.

 

2. NEMT is a stable, recession-resistant industry

People always need healthcare, no matter the economy’s state. That’s what makes the non-emergency medical transportation industry so stable.

 

Even during tough times, like a recession, people still need:

• Routine doctor visits
• Ongoing treatment like dialysis or cancer care
• Mental health appointments
• Follow-ups after surgery or hospital stays

 

In fact, some of these needs increase during economic downturns. When stress goes up, so does demand for mental health services. People also tend to delay care until it becomes urgent, which means more last-minute trips and greater need for NEMT.

Government programs help keep funding steady. Most NEMT trips are covered by Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, or private insurance plans. That means your customers aren’t always paying out of pocket. The money is coming from established programs that are built into the healthcare system.

 

A few quick facts:

• Medicaid covers NEMT in all 50 states
• Over 90 million Americans are enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP
• Many health plans are adding more NEMT options to support patients

 

So while other industries might struggle when the economy slows down, the NEMT business stays strong. Healthcare doesn’t stop, and neither does the need for reliable transportation.

If you’re looking for a business that offers steady demand, reliable payment sources, and long-term potential, starting a NEMT business in the U.S. just makes sense. It’s a smart move that balances purpose with profit.

 

3. A NEMT business can provide reliable income

One of the best parts about running a NEMT business is the steady income potential. Once you get your service up and running, you can expect consistent demand and repeat riders.

Many of your clients will need rides more than once a week. People going to dialysis, physical therapy, or behavioral health appointments often have set schedules. That means you’re not chasing down new riders every day. You can build regular routes and a reliable stream of income.

 

Here’s why it works:

Medicaid and insurance-backed trips: Most trips are paid for by programs like Medicaid or Medicare Advantage. These payments are often set at predictable rates, and if you’re registered as a provider, you’ll get paid regularly for each trip.

 

Recurring appointments: Riders often go to the same clinic multiple times a week, especially patients who need dialysis. That creates routine rides and dependable bookings you can plan around.

 

You set your schedule and service area: You can choose how many rides you take each day and how far you’re willing to go. Some owners even start part-time and grow into full-time operations.

 

Flexible income growth: You can grow your income by expanding your fleet, hiring more drivers, or adding more service areas. The demand is there—you just have to decide how much business you want.

If you’re looking for a business that gives you freedom, financial stability, and room to grow, a NEMT business is a smart option. 

 

4. You can make a real impact in your community with a NEMT business

 

 

Running a NEMT business is about making a difference just as much as it is about making a living. Every ride you provide helps someone get to the care they need. That means you’re helping people stay healthy, independent, and connected.

 

Here’s how NEMT services help your community:

People can get to life-saving care: Many people miss medical appointments because they don’t have a way to get there. NEMT fills that gap. You help people get to dialysis, cancer treatment, mental health appointments, and more.

 

You support seniors and people with disabilities: A big part of the population you serve may include seniors, veterans, or individuals with disabilities. These groups often rely on NEMT as their only way to access doctors, therapy, and even grocery stores. Imagine the discomfort you’re saving someone with severe mobility issues with reliable NEMT.

 

Healthier communities mean stronger communities: When people can go to their appointments, they stay healthier. That means fewer emergency room visits, lower healthcare costs, and better quality of life for everyone.

 

You’re creating local jobs: As your business grows, you may hire drivers, schedulers, or dispatchers. 

Starting a NEMT business is a way to give back while building a stable future for your organization. It’s one of the few business models that creates value for both the owner and the people they serve. That kind of impact is hard to beat.

 

5. You can grow your NEMT business at your own pace

Another reason to start a NEMT business is how flexible it is. You don’t have to start big. You can start small and grow as your business (and your confidence) grows.

Many business owners start with just one vehicle and one driver. Sometimes, the owner is the driver! As demand builds, they add more vehicles, staff, and even new services like gurney transport.

 

Here’s why flexible growth makes NEMT a smart choice:

Low barrier to entry: You don’t need a fleet to start. One vehicle and a reliable schedule are enough to begin.

 

You control the pace: You can choose to run a solo operation or build a team, and you can grow when the time is right.

 

Room to expand services:  As your reputation grows, you can add options like stretcher transport, long-distance trips, or even contract with healthcare providers and Medicaid.

 

You can choose your service area: Focus on your local town, or expand into nearby cities. NEMT lets you grow into markets where the need is highest.

 

In short, NEMT is a business that grows with you. There’s no pressure to scale faster than you’re ready for. But when you’re ready, the opportunities are out there. That makes it perfect for new entrepreneurs or anyone looking to build something sustainable.

 

Reader to start your NEMT business?

 

 

If you’ve been thinking about starting your own NEMT business, you’re probably looking for ways to tap into a growing market with great potential. This article has shown you a few reasons why now is the perfect time to take the leap.

 

Here’s what you’ve learned:

• The growing demand for NEMT services across the U.S.
• How you can provide a reliable income by filling the transportation gap
• The community impact you can make while building a profitable business
• The flexibility you’ll have to grow at your own pace

 

At AVAN Mobility, we’ve been designing and building custom mobile solutions for businesses just like yours. We understand the challenges and opportunities in starting an NEMT business, and our expertise can help you navigate the journey. Our commitment to creating durable, adaptable, and easy-to-use vehicles ensures you’re equipped for success from day one.

We’re proud to be a trusted partner for entrepreneurs looking to change their communities through accessible transportation. If you’re ready to take the next step, click the button below to speak with a mobility expert who can guide you through the process.

If you’re not ready to talk yet, don’t worry! We have a range of other resources available to help you learn more and make informed decisions.

Start by checking out our article on what NEMT vans are used for. This will give you a better idea of what’s possible with them.

Afterward, read our article comparing NEMT and EMT vans. This will clarify the differences and guide you on the next steps.