How to Get Free Medicaid Transportation in Illinois (Step-by-Step)

Illinois Medicaid pays for rides to and from medical appointments when you have no other way to get there. The benefit covers ambulatory sedans, wheelchair-accessible vans, and stretcher transport — all at zero cost to the patient. Below is every step required to qualify, enroll with a managed care organization (MCO), and schedule your first ride.

Who Qualifies for Free Medicaid Transportation in Illinois

If you have active Illinois Medicaid coverage, you already qualify for non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). The benefit applies to:

• Adults enrolled in Medicaid through the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS)
• Children covered under All Kids or Medicaid
• Seniors age 65 and older with Medicaid, including dual-eligible Medicare/Medicaid members
• Individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) who are Medicaid-eligible
• Pregnant women enrolled in Medicaid
• Individuals in the Health Benefits for Immigrants program

The only requirement beyond active coverage is medical necessity. Your trip must be to a Medicaid-covered service — a doctor visit, dialysis session, therapy appointment, lab work, pharmacy pickup, or any covered medical service. Social or recreational trips are not covered.

Step 1: Confirm Your Medicaid Enrollment

Before requesting rides, verify that your Medicaid coverage is active. You can check in three ways:

1. Call the Illinois Medicaid hotline: 1-800-226-0768 (automated system verifies enrollment)
2. Log into the ABE portal: Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) at abe.illinois.gov shows your current coverage status
3. Check your Medicaid card: Your card lists your RIN (Recipient Identification Number) and the MCO you are assigned to

If your coverage has lapsed, you must reapply through HFS or your local Department of Human Services (DHS) office before you can use the transportation benefit. To learn more about qualification requirements, read our guide on how to qualify for NEMT in Illinois.

Step 2: Identify Your Managed Care Organization (MCO)

Illinois delivers most Medicaid services through managed care. Your MCO is the company that coordinates your benefits, including transportation. The MCOs operating in Illinois are:

Your Medicaid card or enrollment letter shows which MCO you belong to. If you are unsure, call the Illinois Client Enrollment Services line at 1-877-912-8880.

Step 3: Contact the Transportation Broker

Each MCO contracts with a transportation management company (broker) to schedule rides. The broker is your first point of contact for any ride request. When you call, have the following ready:

• Your Medicaid RIN (Recipient Identification Number)
• Name and address of the medical facility
• Date and time of your appointment
• Type of transportation needed (ambulatory, wheelchair, or stretcher)
• Whether you need a round trip or one-way
• Any special needs (oxygen, attendant, language interpreter)

Most brokers require at least 3 business days' notice for non-emergency trips. Dialysis and recurring appointments can be set up as standing orders (more on that below).

Step 4: Request Your Ride (Three Ways)

You can request Medicaid transportation through three channels:

Option A: Call the Broker Directly

Call the phone number for your MCO's transportation broker (see the table above). A representative will verify your eligibility, confirm your appointment, and assign a transportation provider. This is the most common method and works for both one-time and recurring trips.

Option B: Use the Online Member Portal

Molina, Meridian, and Blue Cross each have online member portals where you can request rides digitally. Log into your MCO's website, navigate to the transportation section, and submit a ride request. Confirmation usually arrives within 24 hours.

Option C: Request Through Dream Care Rides

Medicaid accepted in select service areas — call (708) 505-6994 to check availability. You can check your eligibility and request rides directly through our intake form. For eligible trips, we handle the broker coordination on your behalf, verify your Medicaid coverage, and set up your ride schedule. Call us at (708) 505-6994 if you prefer to speak with someone directly.

What Types of Rides Does Medicaid Cover?

Illinois Medicaid covers three levels of non-emergency medical transportation:

Medicaid covers the full cost. The private pay rates shown above apply only if you need additional trips beyond what Medicaid approves, or if you want to book a ride outside the Medicaid network. See our full rate schedule for details.

For a deeper look at what Medicaid covers, read our complete guide: Does Medicaid Cover Medical Transportation in Illinois?

How to Set Up Standing Orders for Recurring Rides

If you have recurring medical appointments — dialysis three times a week, weekly chemotherapy, or regular physical therapy sessions — you do not need to call the broker every time. Ask for a standing order.

A standing order is a pre-approved recurring ride schedule. Your broker sets it up once, and a driver is automatically dispatched for each appointment without requiring a new request. Standing orders work for:

• Dialysis transport (typically 3 times per week, 156 trips per year)
• Chemotherapy and radiation (weekly or biweekly schedules)
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation sessions
• Behavioral health and counseling appointments
• Any recurring Medicaid-covered medical service

To set up standing orders with Dream Care Rides, submit your schedule through our recurring ride request form or call (708) 505-6994.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Your Ride Does Not Show Up

Call the broker immediately. They can locate your assigned driver, dispatch a replacement, or escalate to another provider. If you experience repeated no-shows from a Medicaid broker, contact Dream Care Rides at (708) 505-6994 — we maintain a 99% on-time record and can check whether your trip falls in our Medicaid service area.

The Broker Says You Are Not Eligible

This usually means your Medicaid coverage has a gap, your MCO enrollment has not been processed, or the appointment type is not covered. Call 1-800-226-0768 to verify your Medicaid status. If your coverage is active and the broker still denies your ride, file a complaint with the MCO's member services department.

You Need a Ride Sooner Than 3 Business Days

Urgent (non-emergency) trips can sometimes be arranged within 24 to 48 hours. Call the broker and explain the urgency. If the broker cannot accommodate you, book directly with Dream Care Rides for same-day or next-day private pay trips, and request Medicaid reimbursement afterward.

You Need a Wheelchair Van but Were Assigned a Sedan

Call the broker to correct the vehicle type. Be specific about your mobility needs. If you use a power wheelchair, manual wheelchair, or scooter, state the exact device. The broker must assign a wheelchair-accessible vehicle that matches your equipment.

How Dream Care Rides Works with Illinois Medicaid

Dream Care Rides is headquartered in Olympia Fields, IL, and serves the entire Chicago metro area plus surrounding counties. We accept Medicaid only for trips starting within 6.5 miles of our Olympia Fields or Palatine bases — call (708) 505-6994 to check availability.

For eligible trips, when you request recurring Medicaid rides through Dream Care Rides, here is what happens:

1. We verify your Medicaid eligibility and MCO assignment
2. We coordinate with your broker to get your trips authorized
3. We assign a consistent driver who learns your pickup and destination routine
4. We handle scheduling changes, cancellations, and rescheduling directly
5. We bill the broker — you pay nothing

For questions about eligibility or to start the process, call (708) 505-6994 or visit our Medicaid rides page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Medicaid transportation really free?

Yes. Illinois Medicaid covers non-emergency medical transportation at no cost to the patient. There is no copay, no deductible, and no out-of-pocket expense for approved trips to Medicaid-covered medical services.

How far in advance do I need to request a Medicaid ride?

Most brokers require 3 business days' notice for routine trips. Urgent requests may be accommodated within 24 to 48 hours depending on the broker and available vehicles. Recurring appointments (dialysis, chemo) are set up as standing orders and do not require advance notice after initial setup.

Can I choose my own transportation provider?

The broker assigns providers, but you can request a specific company. If you want Dream Care Rides as your assigned provider, tell your broker or submit a request through our intake form and, if your trip is in our Medicaid service area, we will coordinate with your broker directly.

Does Medicaid cover wheelchair transportation?

Yes. If you require a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, Medicaid covers the full cost. The broker must assign an ADA-compliant vehicle with a ramp or lift. If you are repeatedly assigned the wrong vehicle type, file a complaint with your MCO.

What if I have both Medicare and Medicaid?

Dual-eligible members (those with both Medicare and Medicaid) receive transportation benefits through their Medicaid MCO, not Medicare. Medicare does not cover NEMT. Contact your Medicaid MCO's transportation broker to arrange rides.

Can a family member or attendant ride with me?

Yes. Medicaid transportation allows one attendant or aide to ride with the patient at no additional cost. Every passenger under 18 must ride with a parent or legal guardian. The no-cost attendant also covers adults who need a caregiver and patients with cognitive or behavioral health needs who require supervision during transport.

What areas does Dream Care Rides cover for Medicaid trips?

We accept Medicaid only for trips starting within 6.5 miles of our Olympia Fields or Palatine bases. Beyond that radius, Dream Care Rides serves the entire Chicagoland area including Cook County, Will County, DuPage County, Lake County, and parts of Northwest Indiana with private pay. For trips outside this area, call (708) 505-6994 to check availability.

How do I cancel or reschedule a Medicaid ride?

Call your broker or transportation provider at least 2 hours before the scheduled pickup. For Dream Care Rides patients, call (708) 505-6994 or use our online system. Repeated no-shows may affect your standing order status.