Bis-Man Transit to End Medicaid Billing on November 15
The transit agency will stop accepting Medicaid payments for medical trips starting mid-November.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Healthcare
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Starting November 15, 2026, Bis-Man Transit will discontinue accepting Medicaid as payment for paratransit services in Bismarck. The decision follows challenges with a new state-mandated provider identification process for drivers.
Why it matters
The agency cited excessive staff time required to comply with North Dakota Health and Human Services regulations as the reason for the change. This policy shift forces affected riders to cover their own transit costs for medical appointments.
The change impacts 60 to 70 individuals who frequently use Medicaid for transit, with paratransit fares set at $3 each way. In total, 110 notices were mailed to individuals who utilized Medicaid for rides within the past five months.
The players
Bis-Man Transit
The agency provides public transportation and paratransit services to residents in the Bismarck and Mandan area.
North Dakota Health and Human Services
This state department oversees public assistance programs including traditional Medicaid and Medicaid Expansion.
The details
The agency board voted to suspend the billing program after struggling to navigate the enrollment requirement that forces drivers to link individual identification numbers to the agency. Although Medicaid trips represent a small portion of the 8,000 monthly trips, the administrative burden on staff prompted the termination of the service.
Timeline
November 15, 2026, marks the end of Medicaid billing for transit services.
Notices were distributed to individuals who used Medicaid for rides over the past five months.
Market Landscape
This move highlights the friction between local municipal service providers and state-level healthcare compliance requirements. By opting out of the Medicaid billing system, the agency is prioritizing administrative efficiency over the inclusion of state-subsidized medical transportation.
Riders who previously used Medicaid for their $3 trips will now need to pay out-of-pocket for their medical transportation. Residents should prepare for these expenses while the agency explores future assistance programs.
The takeaway
Riders are encouraged to review their upcoming medical travel budgets ahead of the November 15 transition date. Exploring other potential transit aid programs may help offset the cost of the $6 round-trip fares.
Further reading
Learn more about local changes in Bismarck Healthcare.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kfyrtv.
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Should local transit agencies prioritize simple billing processes to maintain access for riders?
